Villarreal 1-3 Barcelona
Barcelona continued their bright start under new head coach Xavi with a second win in three games under the former Blaugrana midfield star, a La Liga triumph away to Villarreal.
It was a first win on the road for the Catalans though they left it late after the Yellow Submarine had equalised Barca’s opener, but goals from top scorer Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho gave them six points from two league games under the returned hero.
After a goalless first half Frenkie de Jong broke the deadlock, pouncing to poke in a rebound and they kept the Yellow Submarine at bay until 15 minutes from time. But substitute Samuel Chukwueze equalised and then the home side began to press for a winner. Depay bagged the crucial goal for Barca with two minutes left on the clock with a piece of individual brilliance. The Dutch striker coolly brought down a long ball clearance and beat Rulli with some quick feet before sliding the ball between Pervis Estpuinan’s legs on the line.
The goal was one of the La Liga 2021 highlights of the weekend, and a crucial one for Xavi and his men, and when Coutinho went down for a penalty before climbing to his feet to slam the spot-kick home… the celebrations started.
These are early days for Xavi and while two league wins is a perfect start, a home draw with Benfica in the Champions League has left the Blaugrana with work to do in Europe. The Catalans stay in seventh in the league but they closed the gap to leaders Real Madrid to seven points, though the La Liga 2021 betting odds say they have a mountain to climb.
But, for now, it’s so far so good for Xavi, who was renowned as a tactical expert on the pitch; if he has as much quality in the dugout then Barca fans may have exciting times ahead.
Junior is the Real Deal
Real Madrid 2-1 Sevilla
Los Blancos met the in-form Sevilla in the late Sunday kick-off and the leaders had a tough afternoon on home soil against a team which were in the 2021 title race right up to the final week. Rafa Mir, who spent last season on loan at Huesca, scored his fifth goal of the campaign to give Los Sevillanos a 12th-minute lead, but Real’s main man Karim Benzema hit back before the break.
It was a well-matched game with the teams trading blow for blow; 54 per cent possession for Los Blancos but Sevilla had six shots on target to four. But then came Vinicius Junior who controlled a lofted ball on his chest, dropped it onto his right foot and rifled a rocket into the top corner.
Brazilian brilliance!
Thibaut Courtois made a great save to deny Thomas Delaney at the death but it was Junior’s strike that fired Real Madrid four points clear at the top, and ten ahead of Barcelona once again.
Atletico on the up
Cadiz 1-4 Atletico Madrid
Los Rojiblancos have been going about their business without too much fuss but their defence of the title is beginning to look quite robust. Diego Simeone’s side put in a ruthless performance to sweep aside strugglers Cadiz. After a goalless first half, Thomas Lemar opened the floodgates and Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Matheus Cunha breached the Cadiz defence before Antony Lozano scored a consolation for the hosts.
Atleti are nicely settled in third without making much noise, and the passionate Simeone will be quite happy with that.
Periquitos defence is rock soild
Espanyol 1-0 Real Sociedad
Here at SBOTOP we previewed this match and tipped a draw, and had La Real enjoyed a bit more luck then that would have been the outcome. Espanyol’s Yangel Herrera’s 77th-minute strike won the game after Real Sociedad had dominated for long periods with 61 per cent possession, and while both teams had three shots on target the visitors hit the woodwork twice. Los Periquitos’ defence has been strong throughout the season and they fought hard to protect the points and boss Vicente Moreno will be delighted as his team climb to ninth in their first season back in the top flight.
Vallecano at home in Primera Division
Valencia 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano are continuing their great start back in the big time having battled through the Segunda Division play-offs the last term, finishing sixth. And that’s where they sit now in the Primera after a well-earned draw away to Valencia. They are enjoying life between Real Betis and Barcelona and that’s where they look at home, as they have now added an impressive away result to one of the best home records in the league.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
