LaLiga week 5
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid share the first place of La Liga standings with exactly the same number of points [13] showing a record of four wins and one draw in the first five matches.
The Catalans have the best offense in the League [16 goals scored] whereas the Merengue are the most solid team [3 goals conceded], sharing this honor with Villarreal.
Surprisingly both club already have built a conformable lead over title contender Atletico Madrid that has lost two of the first five games. Next weekend will be the Madrid derby.
Both teams suffered to get points
FC Barcelona had to settle to a draw at home against Girona 2-2, mostly because they played down to 10 men for one hour when the game was at 1-0.
Coach Valverde on the two points lost at home:
“It was a game that we had under control and then it slipped away from us. We managed to get the draw but turn the score around but the feeling is that the team gave everything until the end. The season is long and everything carries on.
We played with 10 men and the team fought back. Furthermore, the fans got behind us at a tricky moment. Girona are a good side and they play on the counter but we were in control despite playing with 10.
We always want to win, despite playing with 10 men. These are situations that you come across during the season and you have to get through them.”
Real Madrid got a very close win against the other team from Barcelona, Espanyol 1-0. Coach Lopetegui coach was overall very happy with the win:
“We suffered in the second half, it was a tough, complex game. The other side did well, they are well structured and organised at both ends. They have a brilliant coach and some real talent. We missed our chances for a second goal when it mattered”.
“We have clear chances in the second half, but it was a nervy final stretch. It was emotionally and physically draining after having played in the week. Games like this after the Champions League always present issues, and we are aware of that”.
LaLiga poses challenges along the way, that can be tough. The main positive is that we got the three points and we knew how to suffer. You have to do that if you want to win LaLiga and we’re happy to do that. We knew how to get a result in a tough situation against great rivals, despite not killing the game off”.
