LALIGA preview: Barca host Sevilla before the Basque Derby takes centre stage
THE fun doesn’t stop in LALIGA EA Sports, as the first midweek round of the season is immediately followed by the very attractive slate of Matchday 8 fixtures.
The first Basque derby of the season between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao is taking place on Saturday (30 September), while Barcelona have a fascinating clash against Sevilla and Real Madrid will visit in-form Girona this weekend.
It’s the Barcelona vs Sevilla clash which kicks off this matchday, as the two heavyweights meet on Friday night in the Catalan capital.
Given that Barça just saw their six-match win streak come to an end in the midweek matchday, Xavi’s squad will be determined to bounce back immediately. But it won’t be easy against an improving Sevilla side that is unbeaten in four and that just scored five goals in their midweek game.
There are four fixtures on Saturday and the first two are taking place in the capital, starting with Getafe’s duel with Villarreal.
Los Azulones are undefeated at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez so far this season, so will feel confident ahead of the visit of Pacheta’s side.
Then, the action moves just a few kilometres away to Vallecas, where Rayo Vallecano will host Mallorca, with the islanders having won the past three meetings between these clubs.
On Saturday evening, there is a fascinating fixture at the Estadi Montilivi, as Girona take on Real Madrid. This is a true top-of-the-table clash, as it’s the leader against the current second-placed side.
Interestingly, Real Madrid have only won two of their six previous LALIGA meetings with the Catalan outfit, and didn’t triumph in either of last season’s duels, so Los Blancos will travel north knowing that a tough game awaits.
Then, the first Basque Derby of the season is taking place in San Sebastián on Saturday night, with Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao resuming their rivalry.
This is one of the best occasions of each Spanish football season, as these two foes battle for local pride and for the vital three points on offer. Both sides have European qualification as an objective for this season, so they’ll give their all when the ball starts rolling at the Reale Arena.
An Andalusian derby between Almería and Granada begins Sunday’s action, and there’s a lot more than just bragging rights at stake given that both sides find themselves near the bottom of the table, with Almería currently rock bottom on just two points.
Deportivo Alavés then host neighbours Osasuna, with the home side desperate to end their disappointing recent run against the team from Navarre. Of their past seven meetings, Osasuna have won six and there has been one draw.
Next up is a clash between two historic Spanish clubs, as Real Betis host Valencia at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. This has been a very evenly matched fixture in recent seasons, with four wins each and with five draws over the past five campaigns.
Atlético Madrid will have just their third home game of the season when they welcome Cádiz to the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano on Sunday night.
Following the incredible atmosphere that was produced there last weekend, when Atleti won their derby match against Real Madrid, the fans of Los Rojiblancos will return home hoping to cheer their team to victory once more.
On Monday, the final game of the round will take place in the Canary Islands, as Las Palmas take on Celta Vigo. With both clubs fighting for the same objective of avoiding relegation, this is a very important game to conclude Matchday 8.
Watch LALIGA EA Sports live this weekend on your local broadcasters.
