La Liga 2016 Preview and Predictions: Barcelona and Real Madrid Start Strong; Match Schedules, Teams and Highlights
Barcelona and Real Madrid occupy top two spots in the week 1 of La Liga 2016. Barcelona starts its title defense by beating Real Betis in the opener. However, rival Real Madrid also pushed the lead by dispatching Real Sociedad. Both openers are reminiscent of previous season nearing the endgame when the two clashed.
The evolution of Lionel Messi
Barcelona kicked-off the league with a devastating 6-2 against Real Betis. The game displayed a different Lionel Messi from the start when he starts midfield.
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Previous Messi version will take the ball and sink it whenever he wants. The Barcelona ace is also known to be a one-man team that can single-handedly demolish competition.
In the opener, Messi focused on the middle build-up and passed the ball when there are open team-mates. Sergi Roberto and other strikers benefitted from the game change. This results into a systematic and easier goals for the team. The best part is, Messi still made two goals as easily as he can.
Winning without Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is displaying offensive capability without Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is still recuperating from an injury and expected to sit out few more games. It was Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale that saved the day for Madrid.
During the Sunday game, Bale scored twice that sent tremors against Real Sociedad. The score was nailed until young prospect Asensio sealed the opposing team's fate by scoring another. Other teammates showed support by denying a goal, resulting to a final 3-0 at the end of the regulation.
Two squads less
While La Liga is still teeming with capital-based squads, two Madrid prides temporarily waved goodbyes. Getafe and Rayo Vallecano's poor showings recently resulted to being dropped to the second-tier league. Another Madrid team Leganes replaced them after the former was installed to the top layer.
Anticipated Matches in Week 2
Meanwhile, soccer fans can catch several high profile matches starting this Friday for La Liga Week 2. Live streaming is available for Europe audience at Sky Go UK while US viewers can watch through belN Sports Connect. Here is the list of highlighted matches to expect for the weekend; (all in Eastern Time)
August 26, Friday – a hungry match between two win-less
Malaga vs. Espanyol at 4:00 p.m.
August 27, Saturday – Leganes' first
Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo at 2:15 p.m.
Atletico Madrid vs. Leganes at 4:15 p.m.
August 28, Sunday
Barcelona vs. Athletic at 2:15 p.m.
Sevilla vs. Villarreal at 4:15
