It’s all close at the top in Spain now with just two points separating first place Real Madrid, and fifth place Sevilla. There were a few telling results, and some of the players who covered themselves in glory are included in our Team of the Round for Week 10.
In goal is the man who stood between Barcelona and a point at the Camp Nou, Sergio Alvarez. The Celta Vigo goalkeeper time and again proved to be an obstacle and a key factor for Os Celestes as they held on for a 1-0 win. The 28-year-old made a total of 8 saves on a historic night for Eduardo Berizzo men.
Celta defender Jonny leads the roll-call of defenders after also playing his part in what was unarguably the biggest shock result of the weekend. The 19-year-old Spanish defender didn’t hesitate to frustrate the Barcelona attackers whenever he had the opportunity, and infact made what could have been deemed the ‘save’ of the match when he cleared on the line what looked a clear Lionel Messi goal.
In central defence is two-goal hero Shkodran Mustafi. The German international picked two key moments to send Valencia racing 3-0 up at the El Madrigal against Villareal.
Mustafi is joined by Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos at centre back after the defender helped Real Madrid to yet another comfortable 4-0 win away at Andalusia against Granada. Ramos offered Real Madrid steel and confidence at the back.
Completing the defence is Eneko Boveda who makes it back-to-back appearances in our Team of the Round. Boveda played his part in an entertaining five-goal thriller making an important goal-line clearance as Eibar held on to win 3-2 away in Vallecas.
With each game, Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez keeps showing signing him was a smart move by Real Madrid and he continues to adapt to the Los Merengues. On Saturday, James scored twice – the first an absolute cracker – in Real’s 4-0 win away to Granada. James all round play was even better as he formed an almost telepathic understanding with Real Madrid’s other forward men.
Koke played a huge role in Atletico Madrid’s six-goal thriller against Cordoba at the Calderon. The Spanish international got two beautiful assists with great balls into the area, and was a constant threat from setpieces as well as from open play. Joining him is teammate Antoine Griezmann who finally came into his own just when Diego Simeone needed him the most.
The French international forward scored Atleti’s first two, and looked bright until he left the pitch with 13 minutes to play.
Up front, Real Madrid duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema continued in their impressive start to the season, leading the Whites’ onslaught against Granada. Both players got a goal and two assists each. Ronaldo especially provided a super assist when he back-heeled the ball to Benzema for Real Madrid’s third.
Finally, there’s Jonathas who lifted Elche to all three points against Espanyol. The Brazilian striker put Elche two goals up, before a late fight back by Espanyol. But his good work was already good enough to earn his side the win.
