La Liga Tips: Matchday Two

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Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División.

Barcelona v Cádiz

Sun 20 Aug 18:30

The Champions huffed and puffed but could not find a way through a stubborn Getafe defence. The Catalonian side should have known better than to get dragged into a dog-fight against their hosts and Raphinha paid the price for an ill-advised elbow in the first half. Xavi’s side lost just once at home last season and will likely continue in a similar vein against Cádiz in this one. The visitors got themselves off to a perfect start with a 1-0 win away to newcomers Aláves but they should face a much sterner test at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Barca lacked anything resembling a killer instinct in the opening fixture and may still be shaking off the pre-season cobwebs. This could be another turgid affair if they once again play into the underdogs hands.

Real Betis v Atlético Madrid

Sun 20 Aug 20:30

Atleti got themselves off to a flyer when they comfortably dispatched Granada 3-1 in the first round. Memphis Depay opened his account with an absolute rocket from a long way out that could already be a Goal of the Season contender. Los Rojiblancos will need a substantial amount of production from both him and his strike partner Morata if they are to break the top two this time around. A 95th minute Willian José goal secured the 3 points for Los Verdiblancos in round 1 against a resolute Villarreal side. However, the hosts have an extremely poor recent record against Madrid. No wins in their last 6 outings (D1 L5) is a poor return for a top side like Betis. Continuing on from where they left off last season, Atlético should probably just about shade this one.

Aláves v Sevilla

Mon 21 Aug 20:30

Sevilla came tantalisingly close to yet another European trophy to add to their ever increasing tally. Unfortunately for the Andalusian side, just one penalty miss was enough to see the title slip from their grasp. The trip to Aláves should be slightly more comfortable than facing the Pep Guardiola juggernaut in mid-week. Both sides suffered opening week defeats and will be looking to turn that around on Monday night. Aláves will be hoping that the extra match will have put some early miles on the Sevilla players legs. However, the hosts have a poor record against Los Nervionenses with no wins in their last 6 (D3 L3). The away side will be hoping not to make it 3 losses on the bounce to start their season, but will have to do it without their star keeper Bounou who has departed for the Al-Hilal.