New league leaders emerged this weekend in La Liga, as Atletico Madrid surged to the top spot in the table.
With both Real Madrid and Barcelona struggling, Atletico manager Diego Simeone ensured that his side continued their fine form.
We take a look at the key matches and results from around the Spanish first division.
REAL SOCIEDAD 1 REAL BETIS 0 – ESTADIO ANOETA
Real Sociedad and manager Eusebio Sacristan climbed to the top half of the La Liga table this past Friday evening with a 1-0 home victory over Real Betis.
Mexican international and former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute.
Midfielder Asier Illarramendi enjoyed a strong performance controlling the middle of the pitch, while goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli helped preserve the clean sheet for La Real.
SEVILLA FC 2 DEPORTIVO ALAVES 1 – ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN
French forward Wissam Ben Yedder has been a driving force for Sevilla this week, and his brace on Saturday was the difference in a 2-1 victory against Alaves.
Yedder also scored the winning goal in Sevilla’s 1-0 win over Lyon in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Alaves responded well to the home side’s opening goal in the second half, as defender Victor Laguardia scored the equaliser in the 84th minute.
But Yedder’s thrilling stoppage time strike secured three points for Sevilla.
The league victory over the weekend puts Los Nervionenses in third place.
VALENCIA CF 0 ATLETICO MADRID 2 – ESTADIO DE MESTALLA
Atletico Madrid applied the pressure to home side Valencia on Sunday afternoon and came away with a 2-0 victory.
Los Rojiblancos now sit atop La Liga, tied with Real Madrid on 15 points each but ahead by goal differential.
Forwards Antoine Griezmann (63’) and Kevin Gameiro (90+3’) scored the goals. The final result would have been much greater if not for Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves, who made two incredible saves on Atletico penalty kicks.
Atleti’s defence shut down the opposition again, as Simeone’s side has only allowed two goals in seven league matches.
REAL MADRID CF 1 SD EIBAR 1 – THE SANTIAGO BERNABEU
SD Eibar put on a memorable performance this weekend, earning a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid on Sunday.
The Basque club struck first through Fran Rico in the 6th minute. Gareth Bale equalised for Real Madrid soon after, but the home side could not find a breakthrough.
The frontline of Zidane’s 4-3-3 formation once again had difficulty in the attacking half of the pitch. Despite holding the majority of possession throughout (65-35), Los Galacticos now find themselves tied atop La Liga with city neighbours Atletico.
Real Madrid look to bounce back at Real Betis on Saturday October 15th.
CELTA VIGO 4 FC BARCELONA 3 – ESTADIO MUNICIPAL DE BALAIDOS
Celta Vigo secured one of their highlights of the 2016-17 campaign with a 4-3 victory over defending league champions Barcelona.
The loss leaves the Blaugrana in fourth place, two points behind Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Celta incredibly took a 3-0 lead into halftime. Goals from Pione Sisto (22’), Iago Aspas (31’) and a Jeremy Mathieu own goal (33’) left the visitors stunned.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique saw his side fight back impressively with three second half goals, but it was not enough on the night.
Barcelona are back in action at home against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday October 15th.
SCORES AROUND THE LEAGUE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST
GRANADA CF 0 – CD LEGANES 1
CA OSASUNA 2 – UD LAS PALMAS 2
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA 2 – SPORTING GIJON 1
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2ND
RCD ESPANYOL 0 – VILLARREAL CF 0
MALAGA CF 2 – ATHLETIC BILBAO 1
