La Liga: Battle of the top four - Barcelona, Real Madrid face in-form opponents

Matchday 5 of La Liga is shaping up to be a big one, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona hosting opponents who have made strong starts to the season. Espanyol and Getafe may not have been tipped as early challengers, but both are inside the top four, setting up two direct battles at the top of the table. League leaders Real Madrid take on RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu. The visitors are unbeaten so far, winning three and drawing one of their first four matches. Coach Manolo González has already beaten the Los Blancos once in his time in charge, and his team’s confidence makes this a tricky affair for Xabi Alonso's men, who want to extend their perfect run.Matchday 5 ends in Catalonia, where Barcelona meet Getafe. José Bordalás’ side have won three of their first four games and sit just one point behind the champions. That makes this one of the most competitive Barça vs Getafe encounters in years. Hansi Flick’s team will need to be at their best to avoid slipping up at home. The action begins on Friday night in Seville, as Real Betis face Real Sociedad. Betis fans will get to see Antony in his first home match since returning to the club. Saturday features five games. Girona host Levante in a clash of two sides stuck at the bottom with only one point each. Villarreal play Osasuna and Alavés take on Sevilla, while later Valencia host Athletic Club at Mestalla, where the Basques have won on three of their last four visits. On Sunday, Rayo Vallecano face Celta Vigo, with the visitors still looking for their first win of the season. Atlético de Madrid then travel to Mallorca, with both teams eager to respond after late defeats last week. Newly promoted Elche and Real Oviedo meet next, before the focus turns back to Barcelona for the weekend’s final game. Fans in India can watch all matches live on the FanCode app and website.