Barcelona and Madrid: lowest points total for LaLiga leaders
It is the first time since three points for a win were introduced in Spain that the leaders sit on just 14 points after seven games, just 10 more than the bottom side.
LaLiga Santander 2018/19 is proving to be one of the most competitive in history, with joint-leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid sitting on the summit of the table with just 14 points each. This is the lowest leading score after seven matchdays ever since the 1995-96 season, when the three-point system for a win was introduced.
Standards slipping or competition growing?
As well as the low total for leaders, the gap they have created between them and the current bottom side Leganés is only 10 points. This is the smallest void from top to bottom at this stage in a season for 19 years.
The teams under the respective direction of Ernesto Valverde and Julen Lopetegui have had almost identical starts to their league campaigns. Both have dropped points in three of their seven games (two draws and one loss).
The Blaugranas were held by Girona (2-2) and Athletic Club (1-1) while failing to pick up anything in their recent clash with the aforementioned bottom side Leganés (2-1), a team that languished on a single point prior to that. Los Blancos, meanwhile, collapsed away to Sevilla (0-3) and drew in Bilbao against Athletic (1-1) and at home to neighbours Atlético (0-0). Despite these setbacks, the two giants of Spanish football remain at the top of the standings followed closely by Sevilla (13) and Atlético (12).
Real Madrid consistency
In contrast to last season, the Catalans had picked up 21 points, winning all seven of their opening fixtures, something they also did in 2013-14. Real Madrid, on the other hand, had amassed the same number of points at this stage a year ago, in what was seen as a very poor start, with Sevilla (16), Valencia (15) and Atlético (15) between them and the leaders.
Some commentators suggest that the standards of the 'big two' have fallen somewhat this year, however, many who watch the games across the league have pointed to an improvement throughout the 20 teams. Either way, most neutrals are hoping for a competitive competition across the season.