The 13th round of games in La Liga saw Real Madrid return to winning ways, while a tired looking FC Barcelona lost for the second time this season. Here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. No Yamal, no party for tired Barcelona

FC Barcelona was without Lamine Yamal for its 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday night, and it's fair to say that it missed the Spain international winger, who was suffering from a midweek knock on his ankle.

Barca looked flat in attack without Yamal's pace and ability to produce danger from virtually nowhere, and apart from Robert Lewandowski's goal, which was ruled out for the tightest of offsides, it failed to create any clear chances.

Barca's tiredness is understandable after an intense three weeks, but that meant its high press lacked the energy, and a motivated Real Sociedad took advantage of that to find space against Barca's high defense and create chances that other rivals have failed to do.

2. Vinicius shines but problems mount for Real Madrid

Real Madrid was under pressure for its home game against Osasuna after consecutive home defeats, but Vinicius Jr's hat-trick helped it secure a 4-0 win that will ensure the international break is a lot calmer in the capital than it might have been.

However, Real Madrid also had bad news in the game, with Eder Militao suffering a season-ending knee injury, while Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo suffered muscle problems.

The injuries to Militao and Vazquez are especially bad news for Madrid, who has David Alaba and Dani Carvajal as long-term absentees, leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti without a specialist right back in the first team and only two fit central defenders.

3. Plague of knee injuries

Militao wasn't the only player to suffer a torn cruciate knee ligament over the weekend, with Leganes defender Enric Franquesa and Villarreal forward Ilias Akhomach both suffering the same season-ending injury.

This season has seen a plague of knee injuries in La Liga, with Carvajal, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Real Sociedad full back Hamari Traore, among others, all suffering the same problem.

While the intensity of this season's fixture calendar is clearly a factor in players suffering muscle problems, can that also be blamed for knee ligament injuries, or are there other factors, such as hybrid pitches that have a percentage of artificial turf among the natural grass to blame?

4. Getafe slipping into danger

After his side's 1-0 defeat at home to Girona, Getafe coach Jose Bordalas said that the team needed five or six signings to avoid relegation this season.

Bordalas is known for making his side difficult to beat, but after losing Mason Greenwood, Enes Unal, Juanmi Latasa and Jaime Mata over the summer and struggling with financial fair play regulations, its attack is nowhere near as strong as it was last year.

With Las Palmas starting to pick up points, and Valencia and Espanyol having games in hand, Getafe is now certainly in the relegation mix. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)