The extended international break is over and LALIGA Matchday 8 is just around the corner, with FC Barcelona yet to drop a point and Atlético de Madrid brimming with confidence after a victory over cross-city rivals Real Madrid.
The action kicks off on Friday, when Málaga CF host RCD Espanyol at 21:00 CEST. The newly-promoted Andalusian side will be hoping to celebrate their first victory of the season after three draws and four defeats in their first seven matches. To do so, they will need to contain an in-form Roberto Fernández, who has bagged six goals for far, earning his first call-up by the Spanish national team.
Saturday features four duels, starting with Rayo Vallecano’s clash against Athletic Club at 14:00 CEST. Rayo Vallecano return to the Estadio de Vallecas after disputing their first few home games at the Estadio Ontime Butarque. The visitors will look to extend their unbeaten streak to five games following two wins and as many draws in their previous four. To do so, they will need to stop Sergio Camello, who has already netted seven goals.
The 16:15 CEST kick-off will see a high-flying Deportivo Alavés take on second-placed Atlético de Madrid at the Estadio Mendizorroza. Attacking duo Mariano Díaz and Lucas Boyé have combined for seven league goals, but neither of them managed to find the back of the net in the last two games, where El Glorioso failed to score and grabbed just two points. For Atleti, containing them could be the key to victory, with Los Rojiblancos aiming for their fourth straight league win.
Leaders FC Barcelona host Getafe CF at 18:30 CEST in their bid to stretch their winning streak to nine games across all competitions. It’ll be a tough challenge for José Bordalás’ side, who are set to face a formidable Barça unitthat averages 4.4 goals per game, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal combining for 19 goals so far. Having lost all their three away matches without scoring a goal, it remains to be seen if Getafe CF can stun the hosts and get something from the upcoming Spotify Camp Nou battle.
Saturday’s action draws to a close with Real Madrid’s duel against Villarreal CF at 21:00 CEST. Having won each of their three homes games, averaging four goals scored per match, Los Blancos will look to get back to winning ways after the derby loss before the break. Yet, back-to-back 3-1 wins have boosted El Submarino Amarillo’s confidence after a slow start to the season.
Four more fixtures are scheduled for Sunday, beginning with Elche CF vs Celta. The home side will look to make the most of Fer Niño’s sublime form, with the 25-year-old striker having recorded five goals in his last five matches. Yet, he faces a stern test against a Celta defence that has conceded just six goals so far, the joint-lowest total in the league.
Next comes the encounter between Real Sociedad and RC Deportivo at 16:15 CEST. The two teams haven’t met since February 2018, when the Basque side thrashed the Galicians 5-0 on home soil. Los Txuri-urdin willbe hoping to secure a win that could move them into the European places, while Depor will have to find a way to cope after the injury of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had a splendid start to the season.
The 18:30 kick-off features a duel between Real Betis and CA Osasuna, with the hosts boasting a perfect home record, winning all three games 1-0. The visitors will lean on Ante Budimir, who has netted a team-high five goals, including the opener in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano before the break.
One more game will take place at 21:00 CEST, as Real Racing Club host Valencia CF. With Yassir Zabiri (six goals in seven games) leading the charge, the Cantabrian side remain unbeaten (2W, 1D) at home on their return to the top flight. After a slow start to the campaign, Los Che will be hoping for an immediate new-manager bounce in Javier Aguirre’s dugout debut.
The Matchday 8 action concludes at 21:00 CEST on Monday, when Levante UD host Sevilla FC. Only FC Barcelona (12) have picked up more points away from home than the Andalusian side (seven), who remain unbeaten on the road (2W, 1D). Los Granotes won both meetings with Sevilla FC without conceding last season and will now look to repeat that feat as they chase their second victory of the campaign.
