LaLiga’s matchday 5 was characterized by stunning scorelines, a series of red cards, and a stark display of power from the title favourites. The weekend reminded us brutally that on any given day, form goes out of the window. While the giants at the summit navigated their fixtures with minimal fuss, chaos reigned elsewhere, reshaping the early-season narrative and leaving several teams with serious questions to answer.
Key Match Summaries
The weekend’s greatest shock came with Levante stunningly humbling Girona by 4-0. Two first-half red cards for Girona shaped the match, but Levante’s control was evident before that. The home team, diminished by the dismissal, could not withstand the spirits of the Levante attackers who scored three in the second half.
Real Madrid kept up their perfect start thanks to an easy 2-0 win over Espanyol. A goal each for Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé sealed the win with Madrid’s 72% possession emphasizing the control they applied on the match. For Espanyol, it was a hard lesson to learn on the level needed to compete with the best in the league.
Atlético Madrid had a far more frustrating afternoon in a 1-1 draw with Mallorca. Despite taking the lead, a red card in the 72nd minute changed the game. Mallorca capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring an 85th-minute equalizer to snatch a point.
Barcelona sent a resounding message with a 3-0 hammering of Getafe. Two goals in the first half created a platform for them to demolish the opposition in 71% possession, hardly letting their opponents get a sniff at the ball. Ferran Torres was the top scorer, netting a brace in a performance adored by the Camp Nou.
In other matches, Sevilla came away with a 2-1 victory against Alavés as they got the winning goal through Ruben Vargas in the 67th minute. Villarreal also managed a comeback 2-1 win against Osasuna, with both their goals coming in the second half. Valencia took care of Athletic by 2-0 – a result that was additionally made easier by a red card after 60 minutes. Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo ended 1-1, whereas Elche triumphed 1-0 against Real Oviedo.
Standout Players & Showers of Goalkeeping
Matchday 5 was a set for goalkeeping heroics and midfield domination. Baptiste Santamaria was the standout player for Valencia, attaining a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 9.5 for goal and assist on an otherwise commanding display in the midfield.
Leo Román of Mallorca was crucial, making six saves to earn a 9.4 rating and a point for his team against Atlético Madrid. Osasuna’s Sergio Herrera was similarly heroic in a losing effort against Villarreal, also making six saves for a rating of 8.7.
Defensively, Real Madrid’s Éder Militão was a colossus, scoring a goal and putting in a defensive masterclass to earn a 9.0 rating. For the attackers, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres (8.4) was clinical with his two goals, while Rayo’s Jorge de Frutos (8.3) and Barcelona’s Pedri (8.3) pulled the strings creatively for their respective sides.
League Table & Impact
After five matches, the table is beginning to take shape. Real Madrid’s win keeps them firmly at the top, with Barcelona’s statement victory solidifying their position as the primary challengers. Villareal, Espanyol and Elche complete the top 5 of the standings. The fight for European positions appears extremely close-run, with Real Betis, Athletic Club and Getafe making early claims.
Atlético Madrid’s dropped points could prove costly in the long run, leaving them with ground to make up already. Real Sociedad and Mallorca occupy the 18th and 19th places. Levante’s huge win propels them up from the relegation zone, while Girona’s heavy defeat keeps them at the bottom.
Suspension Updates
Discipline was a major theme this weekend, with a staggering five red cards shown across the matches. Girona’s Axel Witsel and Vitor Reis were both sent off in their defeat to Levante. Osasuna’s Valentin Rosier saw a second yellow, as did Athletic Club’s Daniel Vivian. Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth was also shown a red card, in just 10 minutes of entering the field. These suspensions will force significant tactical reshuffles for Matchday 6.
Looking Ahead
The repercussions of this weekend’s drama promise an intriguing Matchday 6. How will Girona and Atlético Madrid react to their disappointment? The pressure will be intense as they seek to restore their respective campaigns to life.
The title race continues with what can be reasonably straightforward for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as they take on Levante and Real Oviedo respectively.Athletico takes on Rayo Vallecano while Sevilla and Villareal battle it out at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The sides in the congested mid-table will be hoping to gain some momentum, so each game will be a vital battle.