LALIGA Preview: BIG 3 Real Madrid, Barcelona & Atletico face tough tests on matchday 5

Some of the best youngsters will take to the pitch this weekend in the LALIGA. (Photo Credit: Imago, Pulse Sports collage)

FOOTBALL LALIGA Preview: BIG 3 Real Madrid, Barcelona & Atletico face tough tests on matchday 5

LALIGA Preview: BIG 3 Real Madrid, Barcelona & Atletico face tough tests on matchday 5

Izuchukwu Akawor • 08:44 - 15.09.2023

LALIGA returns from the international break with title contenders Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid all facing tricky challenges on matchday 5.

The September international break has concluded and now LALIGA EA SPORTS has returned to action for matchday 5.

Real Madrid stands atop the table as the early leaders, boasting a perfect record of four wins in as many matches. However, their mettle will be further tested this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu when Real Sociedad comes knocking.

Meanwhile, other title contenders led by defending champions, FC Barcelona, are not spared from challenging fixtures either.

Here are three of the biggest matches in the LALIGA EA SPORTS this weekend, with the big three all involved.

1. Valencia vs. Atletico Madrid

The Estadio de Mestalla will play host to the first of the biggest matches this weekend following the return of LALIGA from the break. 

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This is a historic battle in Spanish football and marks the return of Atletico’s Samuel Lino to the Mestalla after he spent last season on loan with Los Che.

Valencia will have their hands full against Diego Simeone’s men, who have been rampant this season and sit top of the goals chat with 10 goals.

Griezmann is the man Valencia must fear against Atletico Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid (Photo Credit: Getty.

The visitors are unbeaten in the last 17 matches against Valencia whose last win over the former champions was a 3-1 back in 2014. 

This game is slated to kick off at 3:15 p.m. Nigerian time. 

2. Barcelona vs. Real Betis: Spotify Goal-festival

The second match on this list is also the biggest match in the LALIGA this weekend.

Lamine Yamal is one of the attacking talents expected to light up the Barcelona vs Real Betis clash.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal will continue his remarkable rise against Real Betis. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Barcelona and Real Betis will go head-to-head in a match that has come to be known as one of the most entertaining in Spanish football history.

The last 22 matches between the Catalans and their visitors from Betis have produced an incredible average of 4.5 goals per game. 

Isco will look to impress again at the Camp Nou when Real Betis face Barcelona.
Isco looks reborn at Real Betis. (Photo Credit: LALIGA)

With an incredible array of attacking talents like Robert Lewandowski, Isco, William Jose and the latest sensation in Spain, Lamine Yamal, set to step on the Spotify Camp Nou, this game has the makings to deliver another classic for fans.

The Barcelona vs. Real Betis clash is the last game of the day on Saturday and will kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time. 

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3. Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: Bellingham vs. Kubo

LALIGA’s early set pacers Real Madrid will see their title credentials tested further when they welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

It's been the Jude Bellingham show at Real Madrid since he joined from Borussia Dortmund.
Jude Bellingham has become a hero at Real Madrid. (Photo Credit: Out of context FM/X)

This encounter will see two of the standout players so far in the 2023/2024 season, Jude Bellingham and Takefusa Kubo, lead their respective teams. 

Interestingly, La Real’s Kubo will be back to where it started for him in Spanish football, with Carlo Ancelotti and the decision-makers at Real Madrid expected to scout the Japanese youngster further ahead of a possible return to the Bernabeu. 

It's the Kubo vs Bellingham show
Takefusa Kubo has been the main man at Real Sociedad since his permanent move from Real Madrid. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Sociedad will also arrive with Nigeria’s Umar Sadiq, with the hope that they can put on a performance that will see them leave with at least a point as they did in their last visit back in May last season. 

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Other matches to keep a close tab on

  • Getafe vs Osasuna: Greenwood debut

Manchester United’s outcast, Mason Greenwood, could make a long-awaited return to football following a sensational transfer to Getafe. 

Getafe and Mason Greenwood will host Osasuna.
Mason Greenwood has trained with his new teammates and could return to competitive football for the first time in two years. (Photo Credit: Getafe/X)

Getafe host Osasuna in the first game of the day on Sunday, with the talented 21-year-old in line for his debut. That game is expected to be widely followed by millions of United fans following Greenwood’s progress since the loan move on deadline day. 

  • Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alave: Omo show

The first game of matchday 5 will see Rayo Vallecano host Deportivo Alaves on Friday night.

Samuel Omorodion will step out for Alaves again.
Samuel Omorodion has featured for three different LALIGA teams this season. (Photo Credit: Omorodion/X)

This particular fixture will see Nigerians hope following talented youngster Samuel Omorodion, who is at Alaves on loan from Atletico Madrid.

That game kicks off at 8 pm Nigerian time at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid. 

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Tags:
Atletico Madrid Barcelona Real Madrid LaLiga Jude Bellingham Takefusa Kubo Mason Greenwood