MADRID, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid continued its perfect start to the season, while FC Barcelona eased past Getafe and Atletico Madrid left more vital points by the wayside. Here are four things we saw in La Liga's matchday five at the weekend.
1. Vinicius a possible problem for Real Madrid
Overall it was a good day at the office for Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso's side cruised past Espanyol with excellent goals from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe.
As well as three points to maintain his side's 100 percent start to the campaign, Alonso was also able to give minutes to Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga after injury, and they will be vital in the busy weeks ahead.
The only possible issue for Alonso was Vinicius Jr's angry reaction as he was subbed off in the second half.
Alonso has not been afraid to start with Rodrygo in his side instead of Vinicius, or change Vinicius for his countryman and Vinicius clearly doesn't like that.
With contract talks dragging on between Madrid and Vinicius, this may be something to follow.
2. Barca cruise as Atletico shoot themselves in the foot
Barcelona had another easy win in the Johan Cruyff stadium as a Ferran Torres brace and a goal from Raphinha saw them past Getafe 3-0, but it was a different story for Atletico Madrid with a 1-1 draw in Mallorca.
Julian Alvarez saw a penalty saved and was later shown on TV complaining that Diego Simoene always substituted him out of games.
Alexander Sorloth then saw a red card to leave Atletico with 10 men, long before Vedat Muriqi's equalizing goal.
The draw leaves Atletico nine points behind Real Madrid and with a game at home to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, before facing Real Madrid next weekend and if Atletico lose that derby its title hopes could be over before September is out.
3. Absences hurting Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao went into the international break with three wins from three games but has lost three games in a week in the return to action.
While the Champions League defeat to Arsenal could have been expected, a home defeat to Alaves wasn't and Saturday's 2-0 defeat in Valencia was a disappointment after controlling the first half.
Athletic are missing Nico Williams, who was injured playing for Spain and has lost Benat Prados with a season-ending knee injury, robbing Ernesto Valverde of a special talent in attack and a key midfielder, but the team is also missing the influence of the coach, who watched the last two league defeats from the stands after getting a four-game ban after being sent off against Betis.
4. Girona makes life hard for coach Michel
Girona coach Michel Sanchez must be fuming at his players after the 4-0 defeat at home to Levante that leaves his side bottom of La Liga with four defeats and a draw in five games and 15 goals against.
The game was level when Axel Witsel was sent off in the 30th minute and Girona only trailed 1-0 when Alex Reis was shown red in the second minute of the second half for a studs-up lunge.
Levante then doubled the lead from the resulting free kick as the ball went through Girona defensive wall.
It doesn't matter how good a coach you are, if players make those kinds of errors it's going to be impossible to win games. ■
