News Archive

First division – day 3

Barcelona moved back above Real Madrid at the top of the table after they thrashed Huesca 8-2 on Sunday evening. Cucho Hernández actually gave the newly ptomoted side the lead in the Nou Camp, but a strikes by Messi and Luis Suárez, and a Pulido own goal, turned the scoreline around a few minutes later. Alex Gallar got another one back for the visitors before the break, but after the restart goals by Dembélé, Rakitic, Messi, Jordi Alba and a Luis Suárez penalty brought the new boys back to reality. Later in the evening Betis won 1-0 against Sevilla, the first time they had beaten their city rivals at home in 12 years. The visitors were left with ten men when Roque was sent off in controversial circumstances midway through the second half, and team captain Joaquín came on to head the winner with ten minutes to go. Another city derby earlier in the day (in sweltering heat) between Levante and Valencia ended 2-2, Roger twice putting the locals ahead, but a Cheryshev header and a Parejo penalty saving a point for Marcelino’s side. And Alavés got their first win of the new season after beating Espanyol 2-1, Leo Baptistao converting a penalty for the Catalans shortly before the break, but goals by Borja Bastón and Rubén Sobrino in a three minute period after the restart giving the hosts the three points. (02.09.18)

Real Madrid stay at the top of the table after they beat city rivals Leganés 4-1 on Saturday evening. Bale’s opener was quickly cancelled out by a Carrillo penalty after Casemiro fouled Eraso in the area. Benzema scored twice though soon after the restart (the first initially disallowed before the VAR system overturned the decision), and Sergio Ramos completed the scoring from the penalty spot after Bustinza brought down Marco Asensio. Atlético Madrid lost ground on the leaders though after they were beaten 2-0 by Celta earlier in the evening. Maxi Gómez and Iago Aspas got the goals in the first seven minutes of the second half, and any hope of a comeback ended when Savic was sent off for a second bookable offence (curiously the first red card of the season in La Liga). Cabral had a third goal ruled out by VAR late on for a marginal offside decision, but Celta end the day in second place pending Sunday’s games. (01.09.18)

Only nine matches this weekend, Rayo Vallecano’s game against Athletic Bilbao postponed after local authorities closed their Vallecas stadium due to problems with building works. The ground is likely to be shut until mid-October, and Rayo are looking for solutions together with La Liga officials. With the international break approaching, three games were brought forward to Friday, Eibar clocking up their first points of the season after coming from behind to beat neighbours Real Sociedad 2-1. Willian José gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot, but but Marc Cardona levelled it soon afterwards. And with Real down to ten men after youngster Merquelanz picked up a serious injury just a couple of minutes after making his league debut, Charles headed an injury time winner. Girona also got their first victory of the current campaign after beating Villarreal 0-1. Local forward Ekambi had a strike ruled out by the VAR system before the break, but Stuani got what was to prove the only goal soon after the restart. Earlier in the evening Getafe and Valladolid drew 0-0, the closest anyone coming to scoring when Maksimovic hit the post after the break. (31.08.18)