This LaLiga season has so far gripped fans and seen a disturbance to the regular balance of the league. Arthur C. Clarke once wrote “All human plans are subject to ruthless revision by Nature, or Fate, or whatever one preferred to call the powers behind the Universe.” No matter how good the powerhouses in Madrid or a certain team from Catalonia might be, they too are subject to the same chords of unpredictability as the rest. Alavés were high flying until an unusually determined performance from Eibar brought them back to reality last weekend. Athletic Club, a team which boasts of never being relegated find themselves a point above the murky depths of a survival fight. If one thing has been ordinary this season, it has been the inconsistent and underwhelming performance of Real Sociedad. However, even the Txuri-Urdin surprised spectators on Friday night with a spirited comeback against 7th placed Levante.

The Gipuzkoan’s were a goal down after just 4 minutes when Chema’s long range strike glanced off Llorente – rising the ball over a diving Moyá. The first half was all Levante as their movement in and around the box created space for Mayoral and Boateng – the latter also excelled at falling like a mammoth redwood and winning free-kicks in dangerous areas. Theo Hernández, who has been criticised for his defensive decision-making was excellent at going forward, resulting in some chances for his side. However, as with previous games, the player was dispossessed far too many times in his own half.

After the break, Levante emerged from the tunnel aggressive and pressing high. Both Bardhi and Morales looked particularly dangerous, driving the team forward and sending in terrific balls. With Sociedad lacking attacking prowess, both Zurutuza and Juanmi were brought on. Illaramendi dropped into the defensive line, letting Theo push forward as a left-winger. This was the difference as the player slotted home a pass from Oyarabal. Just three minutes later, Sociedad were ahead after a lovely through ball from Januzaj found Juanmi, who squeezed the ball past Oier. Culminating a wonderful ten minutes for the club was Oyarzabal – who scored from a counter attack. Don’t be surprised in future if Theo is in fact deployed as a left midfielder where he has been much more effective and intelligent on the ball. The win was incredibly important to coach Garitano, after media this week had described how the club were unhappy with results. If Sociedad want to remain a part of this erratic season, then they’ll need to pick up their first home win against Celta Vigo in their next fixture.

Eibar, high on the back of last weeks home victory against Alavés travelled to Valladolid. The home side have seen a rise in fortunes since playing Barcelona on what may have been the worst pitch to grace the league in recent times. Eibar meanwhile, have struggled with inconsistencies and despite controlling possession in most of the games they play, they lack a cutting edge in their attacks. A good performance as a substitute last week, saw Cucurella deployed in the starting line-up as a left winger.

With the game underway, Orellana looked lively and moved the ball well – he did however appear acquisitive instead of seeking out his teammates. Charles attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick in the second-half, flying wide – it received a touch from Moyano and required an excellent save from goalkeeper Masip. Cucurella was effective on the left, and despite putting balls on plates for his teammates, they failed to find the net. Then in the 72nd minute, Arbilla used his hand to prevent Plano from running through on goal. With the game still level, it appeared to be an unintelligent move given how important the player is to the back line. The resulting freekick came close – narrowly drifting wide of the far post. Valladolid were poor for a home side and showed little of the danger that saw them crawl within the top 7. Eibar though had their chances and wasted everyone of them, which perhaps goes to show that some things never change. The team should be disappointed by their performance. With Eibar being the superior team, 3 points were required when considering their next opponents – Eibar will host Real Madrid, who have once again found their form after sacking Lopetegui.

Athletic Club are struggling. One win in eleven games is not the form of a team that regularly challenges for the European spots. In a season where teams are suffering from volatility, Athletic are playing predictable football, with a team that can no longer rely on an ageing Aduriz to save them. Williams is an energetic bright spark, but he is no centre-forward. And yet, just as you think the unpredictable is becoming the norm, Athletic Club score twice against Athlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. Only the monstrous head of Godín prevented Los Leones from picking up a point in the capital. Williams had the game’s first goal after an end-to-end 34 minutes. Susaeta’s squared ball was met by San Jose who saw his effort pushed onto the post by Oblak. With the ball travelling parallel to the goal line, Williams burst forward to tap the ball home.

After the break, Williams had another opportunity, but his strike was comfortably collected by the keeper. Thomas Partey soon arrived to the party with a wonderous strike that left Herrerín leaping helplessly. Thomas is a midfield engine with a good vision for the game – similar to Manchester City’s Fernandinho, he is overlooked but vital to keeping possession in the centre. Three minutes after the Ghanaian’s goal, Athletic struck back with the spirit of the club appearing to circulate as Williams left Godín behind in an electrifying sprint forward. Slotting the ball home, the determination and aggression of the player produced a feeling that the old Athletic hasn’t truly fractured. Unfortunately for the Basque club, Athlético Madrid aren’t pushovers at home. In the 80th minute, Athlético scored their equaliser through a Rodri header. Then after winning a free-kick high up the field, Thomas delivered a floated ball to Saul who flicked the ball into the centre of the box – a touch by Griezmann gifted the ball to the captain who headed home. It had been a terrific game and perhaps gives hope to the grumbling Athletic fans who tend to be pessimistic, high in the north of Spain.

Alavés won at home to Huesca on Sunday. It was a predictable result for the team from Vitoria-Gasteiz who haven’t lost at home this season, their opponents meanwhile have lost every one of their away matches, conceding 14 goals in four games. However, as with rest of the story this season, the away side took a surprise lead through Moi Gómez. Charging into space, the player continued past Manu García with a drop of the shoulder and surprised many with his long-range left-footed cracker. It should have been saved by Sivera but nevertheless it found the back of the net. Alavés bounced back immediately after through a Jony header.

After half-time, the home team began to dominate with an unusually high possession percentage for a team that specialises in quick-build up and counter attacks. Enforcing a high press to boot, the team were making the Huesca back line nervy on the ball. Then in the 68th minute, Semedo played undoubtedly one of the worst passing clearances I have seen. Blindly directing the ball to Sobrino whilst under pressure, the defender tried to cover the gap he had left but Sobrino finished excellently from the edge of the box. Huesca came close later in the game but lacked any real attacking organisation. The win moves Alavés into fourth after Espanyol dropped points against Sevilla.

Osasuna played Extremadura UD on Saturday in the town of Almendralejo – surrounded by a rugged dry landscape. Like the abrasive land around them, their match turned into a rough fight of aggression. The home side were the first to have an impact when Fausto made contact with Kike’s freekick. Whether is was some extensive training ground routine or a simple fluke off the foot of Fausto, to the home fans it didn’t matter. Then, before half-time, the enormous Hernández (made even bigger by his impressive hair) was judged to have prevented Gallego from attacking the ball. A penalty was awarded and subsequently scored by striker. With five minutes left on the clock before the break, Osasuna won a freekick out to the right. Whipped in by García, a leaping Oier managed to direct the ball into the corner of the net.

After the interval, Osasuna emerged looking passionate. They began moving the ball well and taking their time with each attack. In the end, a floated ball from the depths of the Osasuna midfield was helped home by Extremadura defender López. It was a failed clearance but one that would have seen Oier score if it had not been attempted. The aggression of Hernández finally caught up with him as he received a second yellow card for a swinging elbow. It didn’t slow down Osasuna however, who tightened up at the back and continued with counter-attacking football. In the 94th minute the team’s persistence paid off as a lovely flick from García left Torres through on goal, which he slotted low to the keepers right. There’s certainly a sense that Osasuna have the squad and talent to do well in this league, however inconsistencies, often in the form of defensive mistakes have plagued the current season. Seven points from their last three matches shows their ability, especially after the win against high flying Malaga. Next, the club face Tenerife at home and should be able to pick up another victory.

Player of the Week

Mikel Oyarzabal

The Real Sociedad player has been somewhat quiet this season. Highlighted as the team’s main threat he is often taken out of the game by close marking and being out-muscled. On Friday night against Levante, the player looked motivated and with his team on form, the opposition had to balance its marking to plug the gaps. This gave Oyarzabal the freedom to control the left flank and not only get an assist but tuck behind the back-line to grab his goal. His movement was excellent, and his finish was delicate and precise. When Real Sociedad face Celta Vigo after the international break, his ability to run behind the defensive line could help get past Celta’s marauding full-backs.