La Liga, Jornada 6: Villarreal move up to ninth

Jornada 6 is in the books, and what a crazy one it was. Barcelona and Real Madrid both lost, so after six matches they have each dropped five points. If that kept up, the La Liga winner would have only 82 points on the season. Not likely, but neither is off to an astounding start.

Nor is Atletico Madrid, but they are now third, on 11 points, with a big clash to come on Saturday at the Bernabéu. (Barcelona host Athletic Club earlier the same day). Barcelona’s response to their loss at Leganés has been to—no kidding—revise their club crest. Okay then.

Everyone in 4th through 13th has at least two wins, and both good games and bad games among those they’ve played so far. Villarreal lead the league in defense with only three allowed, Espanyol and Atleti four each.

Celta seem to be starting where the left off; Iago Aspas and gang can scpre like crazy, but keeping the other team off the scoresheet is hard. And our 0-0 draw at Sevilla doesn’t look so bad now the Andalusians have beaten Real Madrid 3-0 at home (and Levante 6-2 away) since.

Unlike last year, when Malaga basically started at the bottom and stayed there (one point after nine matches), no one looks absolutely destined for the drop, though Huesca have already lost at home to Rayo, one of the newly promoted clubs and also early strugglers.

After Paco López’s great job with Levante last season (8 wins out of their final 11 matches, including the incredible 5-4 defeat of Barcelona) the question was, would the momentum continue? And so far the answer is a resounding no. After defeating Betis 3-0 in their first match, they’ve not won a game, their only point coming against Valencia. Who are the only club not to win a match yet, with five draws and a loss so far. Please stifle your giggles.