Week 5 of La Liga action saw many of the top teams in the league break away from the pack, creating a gap in the standings. Barcelona finds themselves on top of the leaderboard with 15 points, after defeating Girona 4-1 at Estadi Montilivi. They now have five wins in five matches and have already opened up a 4 point leader between them and second place.
Trying to chase down Barcelona are Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid who each recorded their third win of the season this week to go with two draws. Valencia fell to 4th place after losing 3-0 to Atletico.
For a closer look at all major highlights this week and a full scoreboard from Week 5, see below.
Atletico Madrid Dominate Valencia, 3-0
English midfielder Conor Gallagher scored his first goal for his new club Atletico Madrid in their 3-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday. The 24-year-old who transferred from Chelsea last month in a £33 million deal, opened the scoring for his team in the 39th minute with a well-placed shot from inside the box.
Antoine Griezmann added another goal shortly after the halftime break and then Julian Alvarez also scored his first goal for Atletico since his move from Manchester City. Valencia didn’t have any answers for the onslaught, barely creating any real opportunities in the 90 minutes.
The result moved Atletico up to second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. Valencia is also on 11 points after five games but down in 4th place due to goal differential.
Atletico will go on to face Rayo Vallecano next week while Valencia will meet Girona.
Dani Olmo Injured In Barcelona’s 4-1 Win Against Girona
Barcelona’s chances to take home this season’s La Liga title was dealt a significant injury blow when Dani Olmo went down with a hamstring injury in their match against Girona on Monday.
He has been ruled out for at least 4-5 weeks but the timeline could change based on his recovery.
On the bright side for Barcelona, teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal was in terrific form, looking like one of the best players in the world. He opened the scoring in the 30th minute and added a second in the 37th, breaking the match wide open for Barcelona.
Dani Olmo increased the advantage right after half-time with a beautiful close-range finish and then Pedri added a fourth with a tap-in in the 64th minute.
Girona’s only goal came from substitute Cristhian Stuani, who netted in the 80th minute when Barcelona had been reduced to 10 men. Ferran Torres received a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Yaser Asprilla, which led to the man advantage.
Barcelona have been cruising so far this season, as no team has even tested the no 1 team in the league through 5 games. Next up will be Valencia in what could be a tricky match for Barcelona.
Mbappe Scores Third Goal In Real Madrid Win
Kylian Mbappe scored his third Real Madrid goal in two games in their victory over Real Sociedad at Reale Arena.
Vinicius opened the scoring for Madrid in the 58th minute via a penalty, after former Manchester City left-back Sergio Gomez took a hit from Arda Guler. Mbappe added another penalty in the 75th minute to secure the 2-0 win.
Jude Bellingham remained on the sidelines after injuring his calf before the international break, but will likely be back soon after resuming training.
Madrid are unbeaten after five league matches but remain four points behind leaders Barcelona.
Matchday 5 Scoreboard
| Real Betis | 2 |
| Leganes | 0 |
| Mallorca | 1 |
| Villarreal | 2 |
| Espanyol | 3 |
| Alavés | 2 |
| Sevilla | 1 |
| Getafe | 0 |
| Real Sociedad | 0 |
| Real Madrid | 2 |
| Celta Vigo | 3 |
| Valladolid | 1 |
| Girona | 1 |
| Barcelona | 4 |
| Las Palmas | 2 |
| Athletic Club | 3 |
| Atlético Madrid | 3 |
| Valencia | 0 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 3 |
| Osasuna | 1 |
