(Football news) Another entertaining matchweek of La Liga is over. Real Sociedad are still on top of the table with 25 points after 12 games played. Real Madrid and Sevilla are on 24 points while Atlético Madrid are on 22 points with 11 games played. Barcelona's struggles continue as they are 9th on the table.
Real Madrid came back strongly after their midweek draw against Osasuna. Karim Benzema was given much needed rest while Luka Jovic wasn't fully fit. Mariano Diaz made his first appearance of the season and provided an assist for Vinicius Jr who scored the first goal. Elche's Raul Guti was sent off in the 63rd minute after a 2nd yellow card. Vinicius was later set up by Luka Modric to score his second with a fantastic chip over the keeper. Real Madrid, up by 2-0 looked in complete control of the game but a mistake from Casemiro and Toni Kroos led to Elche pulling a goal back with 4 minutes left. Real Madrid managed to secure the 3 points thanks to a brace by Vinicius Jr who has already 9 goals this season. Carlo Ancelotti also rested both first choice full backs as Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal had to play 25 minutes at the end. Rodrygo and Mariano both picked up injuries in the game and will be out for a while. Los Blancos' will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the UCL on Wednesday.
In Sergi Barjuan first game incharge, Barcelona drew 1-1 at home against Deportivo Alaves to follow their midweek loss against Rayo Vallecano. The Blaugrana dominated 80% possession in the first half but there wasn't any change in their playing style under a new manager. There was a lot of unnecessary midfield dominance without any real danger to the Alaves goal. Memphis Depay scored a sumptuous goal in the 49th to break the deadlock. It only took 3 minutes for Alaves to equalise through Luis Rioja. The game ended 1-1 as Barcelona failed to find a way to penetrate the stubborn Alaves defence. Despite his missed penalty midweek, Memphis Depay is the only silver lining for Barcelona so far this season. To make matters worse Sergio Aguero was taken off right before half time after he complained about difficulty breathing. The forward has been diagnosed with heart arrhythmia, which is a heart rhythm disorder and will definitely be out for their away UCL fixture against Dynamo Kiev
Atletico Madrid broke their 3 match winless run with a commanding 3-0 win over Real Betis. Angel Correa set up Yannick Carrasco who scored the opening goal of the game. German Pezzella's own goal gave Atlético a 2-0 lead before Carrasco set up Joao Felix to seal the 3 points. Diego Simeone's men are back to winning ways at perfect time just before their important UCL trip to Anfield.
