Matchday seven in La Liga seamlessly merges into the eighth round of games without a break as the frantic start to the season continues in Spain.
The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Madrid derby between Atletico and Real Madrid at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, where Real suffered their last league defeat almost exactly a year ago.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds a significant advantage heading into the match, having hosted Alaves on Tuesday night, while Atletico didn’t play their Matchday seven fixture against Celta Vigo until Thursday, with their players returning home in the early hours of Friday morning.
A late goal from Julian Alvarez secured Atletico a win, but coach Diego Simeone will be concerned about the number of chances their opponents created.
Real Madrid faced a scare from two late Alaves goals on Tuesday in a match where both Vinicius Jr. and Endrick were fortunate to avoid red cards. Losing either player would have been a blow to Ancelotti, who is already without Kylian Mbappe due to a thigh injury. However, the return of Eduardo Camavinga from an ankle injury provides a boost for the squad.
Barcelona aim to maintain their perfect start with eight wins from eight games as they visit Osasuna on Saturday following their narrow 1-0 home victory against Getafe on Wednesday.
Inaki Pena faced little challenge in his first game covering for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Hansi Flick’s side showed signs of fatigue, with injuries continuing to limit squad rotation.
Getafe continue to search for their first win of the season as they host Alaves, who rested many regular starters for their Tuesday match in Madrid. Getafe has struggled offensively with just three goals all season, though they have conceded only six, suggesting a likely close contest.
Rayo Vallecano, who clung to a draw away against Girona on Wednesday, face another Madrid derby at home to Leganes. Leganes did not have a midweek match, having played Athletic Bilbao the previous week.
In a battle near the bottom of the table, 16th-placed Real Sociedad host 17th-placed Valencia. The home side are yet to win at home this season and has struggled to score. Meanwhile, Girona visit Celta Vigo, who are eager to bounce back after a narrow home defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao will be looking for their fourth consecutive league win on Sunday as they host Sevilla, following a morale-boosting draw in their Europa League debut in Rome on Thursday.
Sevilla extended the contract of coach Garcia Pimienta after their midweek victory over Valladolid but will be without Saul, who suffered a serious muscle injury, and defender Marcao, who is suspended.
Real Betis faces Espanyol on Sunday, while Villarreal, looking to build on their momentum, will once again rely on striker Ayoze Perez as they host winless Las Palmas.
