La Liga: Real Madrid on high as Valencia seek quick response against Athletic Bilbao
There was plenty of drama in La Liga last weekend with a spate of last gasp goals and red cards dished out. In this week’s preview, we will provide our thoughts on Real Madrid v Villarreal, and Valencia v Athletic Bilbao. We will also check in on the latest match odds.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior’s double act completes dramatic comeback for Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been in superlative form so far this term. However, they came very close to coming unstuck against Valencia at the Mestalla last Sunday. After falling behind to a fine volleyed finish from Hugo Duro in the 66th minute, Real levelled four minutes from the end when Vinicius Junior’s effort deflected home.
Vinicius Junior then turned provider as he fired a delicious ball into the box, and Karim Benzema nodded home to seal all three points. Benzema and Vinicius Junior have come to Real’s rescue on several occasions, and they have now notched up 11 goals between them in La Liga this campaign. More importantly, Real has kept their unbeaten record intact.
Carlo Ancelotti reserves special praise for Eden Hazard after Valencia win
While Benzema and Vinicius Junior will rightly receive most of the plaudits, Carlo Ancelotti was particularly delighted with the contribution of Eden Hazard. He said: “Hazard linked up brilliantly. He was lively and looked to cause problems.” While Real had to dig deep to collect all three points, they have shown dynamism in their transitional play that makes it hard for teams to deal with.
Villarreal still looking for takeoff after a slow start
Villarreal fired blanks once again last weekend as they were held away to Mallorca. The Yellow Submarine are winless in their first four league games. So far, they have been rather toothless in attack, and they struggled to break down Granada and Espanyol. Before facing Real Madrid, Villarreal takes on Elche, and they will be hoping that will give them lift off.
Villarreal have to be careful with Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze has been struggling to recover from a hamstring injury that has already kept him sidelined for four months. Villarreal has missed the winger, and after sitting it out against Mallorca last Sunday, they can’t afford to rush him back. Unai Emery has also been without Dani Raba, and Villarreal will hope to have him back soon.
Valencia left to rue missed opportunity against Real Madrid
Somehow, Valencia seemed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory against Real. They looked to be in control of the game, but they opened the door for the visitors to get back into the contest, and they were made to pay the price. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t detract from what has been a fine start to the season for Valencia.
After five games, Valencia have yielded 10 points, and they occupy the third spot in La Liga. However, they have a tricky few days to navigate as they take on Sevilla in midweek before focussing their attention on Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. It is a case of now regrouping quickly and putting the Real defeat to the back of their minds.
For Valencia, they have to learn to manage games better. Valencia boss Pepe Bordalas couldn’t conceal his frustration after his side’s defeat against Real, and he admitted his side couldn’t cope with the counter-attacking prowess of Los Blancos. And with Carlos Soler forced off with an injury against Real, Los Che will be hoping it’s not too serious.
Athletic Bilbao should take confidence from Atlético Madrid result
Athletic Bilbao — who are fifth in the La Liga table — managed to keep Atlético Madrid at bay last weekend. Although Atlético saw João Felix sent off, the reigning La Liga champions were more threatening in front of goal. Bilbao, however, kept their shape, and they weren’t breached.
Valencia, of course, will be a step up for Bilbao. But Bilbao should take confidence from their draw against Atlético Madrid, and they will fancy their chances of causing an upset at the Mestalla. But if we are to go by recent meetings, the likelihood of the draw is high, with the last two encounters ending in a share of the spoils.
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