The La liga title race came to life, once again, over the weekend as champions and leaders Barcelona finally fell to that inevitable defeat that had been lurking since their talisman, Lionel Messi got injured. Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory earlier on Saturday means the Whites are now only 3 points behind their eternal rivals as well as city rivals, Atletico Madrid.
Time for us to reel-out our Team of the week, honouring those players who have impressed during the past round of matches.
Sevilla’s Portugese goalkeeper Beto wins our heart in goal after producing crucial and timely saves to give his side all three points in the derby against Granada. His saves were enough to keep Unai Emery’s men in the game up until they grabbed the winning goal late in the game.
Our three-man defence this week is led by Valencia’s Antonio Barragan who was impressive and solid both offensively and defensively for Valencia. The right-back weighed in with two assists and was always comfortable on the ball as Valencia thumped a disappointing Osasuna side.
Real Betis’ experienced defender Antonio Amaya was one of the goal scorers for his side in their 2-2 draw with Rayo Vallecano. The former Rayo man was inspired against his old employers scoring a crucial first goal as well as helping his team defensively. Amaya’s 7 successful tackles was a joint game-high, and he also managed to win a respectable 83% of his aerial duals.
Malaga centre-back Weligton completes the back-line after scoring a late equaliser to secure a point for a not so deserving Malaga side in their 1-1 draw with Villareal.
In midfield, Markel Susaeta leads four others after delivering an all-round performance for Athletic Bilbao as the Basque side continued their unbeaten streak at the new San Mames stadium. The 25 year-old had more tackles (7) than another player, and was always a threat going forward for Athletic whenever they had the chance to swarm forward on periodic counter-attacks. Susaeta also capped his wonderful showing with an assist for Iker Muniain’s goal before he was taken off.
Atletico Madrid’s rising midfielder Koke wins a place in the middle of the park after he scored the first for the rojiblancos in their 2-0 win away at Elche. The Spanish international is joined by his national team mate Xabi Alonso who continued to exhibit how important he is to the current Real Madrid squad. Alonso showed great experience, composure and technique as he made sure Real Madrid had full control in their 4-0 mauling of Valladolid.
Welshman Gareth Bale continued his superb run of form over the weekend, grabbing a hat trick-a perfect one- and a well taken assist as he led Real Madrid to their second win in all competitions in the absence of star man Cristiano Ronaldo.
Finally in our five man midfield, Real Madrid’s little man Isco is picked by virtue of his tormenting performance against a hapless Real Valladolid side. The former Malaga man, now making back-to-back appearances in our team, gave Real Valladolid all sorts of problems, teasing and torturing their defence all night long. Isco’s seven successful dribbles in the match was more than any other player on both sides.
Sevilla forward Bacca leads the two-headed attack after he proved a thorn in the side of Granada in the Andalusian Derby. Bacca grabbed the opening goal of the game as well as the assist for Gameiro’s late winner as Unai Emery’s men continue to push forward steadily on the league table with their third consecutive 3 points. Valencia forward Jonas rounds up this week’s team after netting all three with a stellar showing for Valencia against Osasuna. The Brazilian was on fire and barely put a foot wrong as he carried his side.
So there you have it, our team of the week. Share your views in our comment box below.
