Lewandowski and Benzema set to battle it out to be LaLiga top scorer

It was a rare occurrence on Sunday with both Barça and Espanyol playing at home on the same day and at roughly the same time. Once upon a time such a thing would have been impossible because it was assumed that many people would be interested in attending both games as many locals were members of both Barça and Espanyol (as used to be the case with Madrid and Atlético). This is no longer the situation and the modern fan is united to just one club and for many others the spectacle is live on TV. Both games turned out to be decent affairs with plenty of goals with ultimately the power of the ‘big two’ was enough to see Madrid and Barça secure maximum points.

‘Lewy power’

In the Polish striker, Xavi has been handed an extraordinary centre-forward. The newly acquired player has already taken on a clear leadership role at the club and speaks with maturity and authority... There is a feeling that the player is respected on all levels and that even extends to the match officials. The Pole was on target again last night finding the net twice with both goals needing the assistance of the post. Barcelona are in a good place now, boosted by the acquisition of a top striker who is being well serviced by solid wingers and the national team’s midfield. A content looking Joan Laporta (albeit sporting a black eye) looked on from the director’s box alongside Valladolid owner Ronaldo as his side put four past the newly promoted side to climb the table.

Madrid march on

The new Casemiro-less Madrid came out at Cornellà with Tchouameni replacing the Brazilian. The young French player was on hand to deliver a splendid pass which Vinicius converted into the opening goal of the contest. Ancelotti’s men were in control for 35 minutes but fell into a spell of complacency and the equaliser soon arrived. In the second half Espanyol started the better of the two teams until Ancelotti decided to look to the bench with Camavinga making a major impact unsettling the Espanyol defence with menacing runs. Late in the game Benzema appeared with two late goals after a sluggish start to the season with the Frenchman keen to remind Lewandowski that he is not going to let him have it easy in the race for the Pichichi (LaLiga top scorer) award.