LaLiga recap: Barcelona send a message but Real Madrid respond in style
Barca stumbled on the first matchday at Camp Nou, which caused some doubts about their fear factor at home - something Johan Cruyff spoke so much about. Since then, they have been scoring goal after goal with Robert Lewandowski (34), Ousmane Dembélé (25) and Raphinha (25) causing carnage with the ball. But it is not only the attack that Xavi Hernandez (42) has managed to improve. The defence, with the additions this season of Jules Koundé (23), Andreas Christensen (26) and Hector Bellerín (27), plus the yet-to-be-registered Marcos Alonso (31), is looking solid.
Four goals against Real Sociedad, another four against Real Valladolid, three against Sevilla, five against Viktoria Pizen and four against Cadiz. 20 goals scored and only 2 conceded in their last five matches. Numbers that would surely scare even Bayern Munich, the Catalans' next opponents in the Champions League. But perhaps not Real Madrid, who have won all their matches this season.
Even without Karim Benzema (34), who picked up an injury in their Champions League opener against Celtic, Carlo Ancelotti's side (63) have managed to just keep winning. Maybe with less brilliance than their arch-rivals, they continue to once again pull on the special Madridista DNA to come from behind. However, their punch is so brutal that even a newcomer like Antonio Rudiger (29), who isn't even in the starting XI, has already scored his first goal. Alongside the reliability of Luka Modric (37) and Toni Kroos (32), the security of Thibaut Courtois (30) in net, and the goals of Vinicius Junior (22) and Federico Valverde (24), it is relatively straightforward to see why Madrid are the favourites.
Real Betis, who have only lost to Real and the impressive Osasuna, are holding up exceptionally well alongside the two giants. They are trailed by Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid - who seem to have woken up from a questionable start by scoring four goals on the weekend. This is set to be a thrilling LaLiga season.
Unfortunately, we must note the very serious injury to Umar Sadiq (25). The Real Sociedad striker, who arrived in San Sebastian a week and a half ago for 20 million euros, will miss the whole season after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his right knee. Betis striker Juanmi (29) will also be out for several months after damaging ligaments in his left ankle.
PLAYER OF THE MATCHDAY 5
We could talk about Giorgi Mamardashvili (21), Valencia's goalkeeper, as the best player. Without him in goal, his team would surely have suffered a heavier defeat in Vallecas. Or we could reward Nico Williams (20) who scored on his debut in Primera. We could also highlight Jose Angel Carmona (20), Sevilla's right-back who saved Julen Lopetegui's head with his brace (56). But undoubtedly, the stand-out of Matchday 5 was the referee in the Cádiz - Barcelona match, Carlos del Cerro Grande (46). His speed in stopping the match when he realized that something serious was happening in the stands was absolutely key so the medical experts could arrive quickly and save the life of a fan who had suffered a heart attack.
THE BEST GOAL
For the last few months, he was known by the nickname 'El Pajarito'. But he has raised his level so much that he has now become 'El Halcón'. Fede Valverde has been one of Real Madrid's best players at the start of this season. His physical prowess has been a huge factor in his form. His stride is reminiscent of some of the best box-to-box midfielders in history. And his ball striking is second to none.
These three great qualities came together for the best goal of the week. Receiving the ball in his own half, he accelerated to get away from two opponents with his sheer power, carried the ball to the edge of the area after 52 meters, then finally released a thunderous left-footed shot that flew into the top corner. Faultless precision from one of Real's key men.
