🇪🇸 LaLiga lowdown: Real Madrid back on top spot, Barcelona held | OneFootball

Real Madrid propelled themselves back to the top of LaLiga after a lowkey yet professional win 2-0 over Levante.

Vinícius Júnior continues to provide encouragement after curling in another fine finish, before Karim Benzema added a second in injury time.

But looking beyond the three points – is this pragmatic version of Madrid what we should start expecting every week?

Gone are the days of Mesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di María and Isco strutting their together in a technically gifted side.

There is clearly talent within their ranks through Vinícius, Rodrygo and Eden Hazard who can provide magic moments.

But as we saw post-lockdown and continue to see this season, this is an experienced, well balanced side that knows how to win football matches.

Meanwhile, Barcelona were brought back down to earth after drawing 1-1 with Europa League winners Sevilla.

Everything looked golden after their win over Celta Vigo on Thursday, but this was a performance lacking fluency with too many individual errors costing them.

Frenkie de Jong was poor, Philippe Coutinho peripheral but wow – somebody please save Antoine Griezmann from this exile. He simply isn’t working.

And elsewhere …

Real Betis bounced back from consecutive defeats with an impressive win away to Valencia, inspired by 39-year-old winger Joaquín.

They are frustratingly inconsistent under Manuel Pellegrini but look exciting in attack with Nabil Fékir, Sergio Canales and Cristian Tello – Los Che were truly outplayed.

Real Sociedad were also good value in their 3-0 win over Getafe, while Osasuna conquered an underwhelming Celta Vigo at El Sadar Stadium.

Atlético Madrid endured another goalless draw against Villarreal, with Cádiz and Granada sharing the spoils in a lively Andalusían derby.

😱 Goal of the Weekend

This strike from Granada forward Darwin Machís was an absolute peach.

After cutting inside and dodging two defenders, he unleashed this left-footed strike which flew past Jeremias Ledesma.

🏆 Player of the Weekend

Jules Koundé has started this season where he left off last.

The Frenchman was imperious against Barcelona, making more touches, more passes and more ball recoveries than any other player.