Matchday 4 in the Spanish top-flight saw Sevilla taking the top spot of the league after Atlético's surprising loss at Anoeta. This weekend, the next bunch of games seems to have everything to keep fans on the edge of their seats starting with Friday's games.
Atlético Madrid will try to bounce back after that two-nil loss against Real Sociedad, but a new draw or loss could see Simeone's men sink in the La Liga charts. This weekend, Los Colchoneros will host Celta Vigo at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Real Madrid had a woeful first outing in the UEFA Champions League, and Zidane's men will now have to face one more tricky match against the league leaders. Julen Lopetegui will also try to damage his former club, and considering each squad's depth, we can anticipate a few changes in both squads to guarantee a good show for those in attendance or those watching around the world.
Last, but not least, Barcelona will be making a complicated trip to Granada, a team that has earned the same amount of points as Los Culés, but with a massive difference between the budgets of each side. Having Lionel Messi around could change things for the away side, but what Granada has pulled off recently hints that even with the Argentine ace there, it will take more than a smile from Los Blaugranas to collect all the points.
Without further ado, here's what you need to keep an eye on for Matchday 5 in La Liga.
Team news - Who's in, who's out?
Barcelona will finally have Lionel Messi around, but Ousmané Dembelé, Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alba have been ruled out due to injury. Another injury boost for Los Culés is none other than goalkeeper Neto, who will be available to play his first match for Valverde's men in case Ter Stegen suffers any last-minute setbacks.
Atlético Madrid gets to this game without two players. Sime Vrsaljko has already been ruled out, while Alvaro Morata will be assessed before the game to determine his availability.
Real Madrid will have to make do without Marco Asensio, Isco, Fede Valverde, Marcelo y Luka Modric. All things considered, Zidane will have to work his magic to turn things around for Los Blancos, especially after their disappointing 3-0 loss against PSG.
Coach's quotes ahead of Matchday 5
Barcelona's coach Ernesto Valverde admitted that Lionel Messi is still not ready to play a full game, which might see him enter the clash against Granada right from the start and leave the pitch at some point, or in a much feasible scenario, go into the game in a substitute role.
"I believe he's doing fine, considering that he missed the entire pre-season and his recent lack of activity. He tried to get into the game and he did well. We wish that adding minutes will improve things for him and he will get a chance to earn minutes tomorrow. It's a day in which he will be able to play as he's used to," the coach stated.
Key historical stats ahead of La Liga's Matchday 5
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Barcelona has won their last six games against Granada in all comps.
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Atlético Madrid has won eight out of their nine home games in La Liga.
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There have not been any draws between Real Madrid and Sevilla in their last six games.
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Leganés is the only team that has not been able to win a single point in La Liga this season.
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Gerard Moreno (Villarreal) is La Liga's top scorer with five goals after four games.
What is social media talking about ahead of Matchday 5?
Real Madrid did not have the best of weeks, and what better way to try and keep everyone focused on getting back on track than taking the official roster picture for the season. Everyone was there wearing their best threads, and now that each member of the team has been confirmed, we can only expect Los Blancos to show a bit more of the brand of football that dazzled Europe in three of the last UEFA Champions League seasons.
@RealMadrid official team photo 2019/20!#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/uO6p7L6pWp
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 20, 2019
La Liga - Matchday 5 games
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