La Liga Matchweek Three: Madrid Rivals Share Lead as Diakhaby's Return Strengthens Valencia's Defense

Championship Shake-Up Across the Capital

The battle for La Liga supremacy intensified this weekend as Barcelona’s reign atop the table came to an abrupt halt. A goalless first half turned into frustration when Rayo Vallecano emerged from the encounter with a 1-1 stalemate on Sunday evening, leaving the reigning champions searching for answers.

Just 24 hours prior, Real Madrid had answered with authority. After falling behind to Real Mallorca, Carlo Ancelotti’s side orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to secure a 2-1 victory. The weekend’s peculiarity? Officials brandished the red card for VAR intervention on three separate occasions, wiping out potential goals and adding controversy to the narrative.

Athletic Club’s impressive run continued apace with a decisive 2-1 away performance against Real Betis. This marked their third consecutive triumph, propelling them level with Real Madrid on points. Villarreal stumbled unexpectedly, surrendering a dramatic late goal to Celta Vigo in a 1-1 draw, while Espanyol edged past Osasuna by a single goal.

Resurrection and Redemption: Breaking Droughts

Real Oviedo shattered their championship curse this weekend—and history bears witness. Leander Dendoncker etched his name into club folklore by breaking an 8,840-day goal drought dating back to 2001. The Belgian defender’s header, set up by substitute Haissem Hassan’s clever flanking work, gave the newly-promoted side their first La Liga victory. Their goalkeeper, Áaron Escandell, proved instrumental with six crucial saves and a clean sheet that defied 2.1 expected goals.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Elche announced their arrival at football’s top table by toppling Segunda Division champions Levante. Valencia’s 3-0 demolition of Getafe showcased their resurgence, while Sevilla claimed their maiden victory with a 2-0 triumph over Girona.

Defensive Mastery: Diakhaby’s Impact Upon Return

Mouctar Diakhaby’s reintegration into Valencia’s backline following injury marked a turning point in the club’s campaign. The Guinean international displayed commanding positioning and distribution, completing 54 passes—the highest tally among defenders across the weekend’s fixtures. His opening header set the tone for a dominant display against Getafe, underlining why his recovery from injury represents a crucial asset for Valencia’s defensive stability.

Alongside Diakhaby, Dean Huijsen’s maturity at just 20 years of age continues to impress. The Spanish international orchestrated Real Madrid’s defense with 47 passes and manufactured the assist for Arda Güler’s equalizer that sparked the comeback narrative.

Penalty Paradox Amid Refereeing Debate

The perpetual discourse surrounding La Liga’s refereeing standards intensified when Alavés emerged as an unlikely beneficiary. The Vitoria-Gasteiz club has received eight penalties across the 2025 calendar year—joint-highest with Real Madrid, a statistical anomaly that has sparked considerable debate. Carlos Vicente’s conversion on Saturday extended their calendar-year total to seven successfully converted penalties, more than any competing side in the division.

Standout Performers Shape Weekend Outcomes

Lamine Yamal’s electric performance down Barcelona’s right flank exemplified youthful brilliance. The teenager won 10 duels, executed three successful dribbles, and calmly converted a penalty he had provoked, keeping Barcelona’s title hopes alive despite their failure to overcome Rayo Vallecano.

Vinícius Júnior’s evolution under Xabi Alonso continued to unfold gradually. Two created chances and a well-placed finish before half-time demonstrated his incremental climb back toward career-best form. Rodrigo Mendoza’s three-chance creation display for Elche showcased the depth of talent emerging through academy pathways, while Rubén Vargas recorded his maiden two-assist performance in European football, orchestrating Sevilla’s attacking rhythm.

Vedat Muriqi’s aerial dominance—nine duels won—proved insufficient against a Real Madrid side too composed in their comeback. His third goal against Los Blancos underscores his particular threat to that rivalry.

Tactical Blueprint: Valverde’s Masterclass

Ernesto Valverde’s solution to Manuel Pellegrini’s experience resulted in an imaginative formation shift. Deploying Álex Berenguel as a false number nine unraveled Betis’ defensive shape sufficiently to secure the three points, demonstrating renewed tactical nuance from the Athletic Club manager.

Carlos Romero’s precision finishing proved decisive for Espanyol’s narrow victory, his six successful duels complementing an accurate shot that found the corner with surgical accuracy. Jesus Areso’s adaptation since his summer transfer has flourished; his partnership with Iñaki Williams down Athletic Club’s right flank has become increasingly dangerous.

The International Break Awaits

As La Liga pauses for international fixtures, Real Madrid and Athletic Club occupy commanding positions, while Barcelona’s stumble has opened the field considerably. Diakhaby’s successful reintegration suggests Valencia possess defensive resources to mount a sustained challenge, even as Champions Atlético Madrid remain winless and searching desperately for their breakthrough moment.