Headlines from Europe’s elite leagues weekend fixtures
The weekend across Europe’s major leagues was eventful as there were series of talking points that from some of the games played in the Serie A, La Liga, and the Premier League.
Here are some talking points from the weekend that precedes Europe’s elite club competition in midweek:
1 Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid stumble as Barcelona show character:
Our guess is that some of the big clubs had their eyes on UCL exertions in midweek. Regardless, Barcelona established a 2 point lead as they sit top of the La Liga. This is because their two fiercest rivals in Madrid settled for a point each in their games.
It must be noted that all three teams went behind in their games but Barcelona clawed back from a goal down to beat Real Sociedad 2:1 at the bogey Anoeta stadium.
It hasn’t been that much of a bogey ground recently. Eibar held Atletico Madrid to a 1 all draw at the Wanda Metropolitano, while Athletic Bilbao held Real Madrid to a 1 all draw at the San Memes stadium.
2 Sarri makes history by making it 5 from 5 with a Hazard hat-trick
Stamford Bridge is apparently the place to be in the Premier League. The Blues have been impressive under new manager Maurizio Sarri as they came from behind to beat Cardiff 4:1 at Stamford Bridge.
This was courtesy of an Eden Hazard hat-trick and a Willian golazo. Chelsea now sit top of the Premier League as Maurizio Sarri became the fourth manager to win his first 5 games in the Premier League.
Eden Hazard celebrates goal against Cardiff
Others are Pep Guardiola with Manchester City, Craig Shakespeare with Leicester and Carlo Ancelotti with Chelsea.
3. Crazy Douglas Costa steals the spotlight from Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace
Yes! Cristiano Ronaldo opened his goal scoring account for Juventus in the Serie A days before the UCL commences.
The Portuguese scored a brace to enable Juventus to amass all three points in a 2:1 win over an in-form Sassuolo in Turin.
However, the game turned sour after a rush of blood to the head saw Douglas Costa elbow, headbutt and spit in the mouth of Sassuolo’s Di Francesco in arguably one of the dirtiest acts in club football. The Brazilian will surely face a ban.
4. Manuel Pellegrini survives as West Ham stun Everton
One more loss and new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini might have made the headlines in tabloids with a SACK. However, his side fought hard and beat Everton 3:1 at Goodison Park.
This victory is coming ahead of a home game against London neighbors Chelsea in the weekend. This should be one to look out for.
