Joint leaders Sevilla and Atletico de Madrid aim to continue their 100% starts to the season in a LaLiga weekend with a tasty Basque derby and tough tests for Barcelona and Real Madrid as highlights.
LaLiga Santander’s always unpredictable nature has already brought thrills and spills through the first two matchdays, and more drama is certain in the final games before Spain’s summer transfer window closes.
Co-leaders Sevilla begin the action with Julen Lopetegui’s impressively cohesive new side at home to a new-look RC Celta team who also looked excellent in beating Valencia 1-0 last weekend.
Diego Simeone’s Atleti will also go looking for a third consecutive victory when Eibar visit the Wanda Metropolitano, with the Basques having picked up creditable draws at the stadium in each of the past two seasons.
Then comes an eagerly awaited Basque derby at San Mames stadium in Bilbao, as Athletic Club face Real Sociedad with both teams having picked up four points from their first two games. ‘La Real’ have had the upper hand in derbies recently, winning this fixture 3-1 last season, but Athletic are unbeaten in 15 games at home and beat defending champions Barcelona in the opening match of the season two weeks ago.
With summer signing Antoine Griezmann looking settled following last week’s double strike against Real Betis and captain Lionel Messi nearing full fitness, Barça face a tricky trip on Saturday afternoon to newly promoted Osasuna, whose tight defence is unbeaten through their first two games.
D. Alaves also have a win and a draw so far under new coach Asier Garitano, and ‘El Glorioso’ travel to a Getafe team who have taken just one point from tough opening fixtures against high-flying Atletico and Athletic Club.
Another side on four points are R. Valladolid, following their excellent draw at Real Madrid last weekend. The Castillians take that record to Levante, who secured a thrilling comeback win against neighbours Villarreal last time out.
The only two sides without a point so far are Real Betis and CD Leganes, so both will be hoping to kickstart their seasons with victories when they meet at the Benito Villamarin.
Valencia will be looking for their first win of 2019/20 at Mestalla, where RCD Mallorca have lost just once in their last four visits in LaLiga Santander.
Espanyol and Granada have also had mixed starts to the new campaign, so their meeting at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday afternoon brings a chance for either to pick up a welcome first three points.
The weekend’s schedule finishes with Real Madrid visiting Villarreal for a fixture which always promises goals and excitement, having finished 2-2 in both of the last two seasons.
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