For the last three seasons, the Spanish La Liga has seen the same three teams occupy the top three slots – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. This year it's only taken nine games for the 2015-16 La Liga table to assume an all too familiar looking demeanor.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the EPL and Spanish La Liga at http://www.rotoballer.com/category/premier-league-bpl-epl-soccer

This season began with a burst of fresh air as Villarreal and Celta Vigo flirted with the top two positions,  until round nine at least. Celta Vigo even underlined their credentials with a thrashing of Barcelona at home and that Barcelona team had a certain Lionel Messi playing too whilst Villarreal weren't far behind and looked set to re-create their golden old days.

All that changed after the ninth round of matches. A weekend that saw Real Madrid deliver a master class performance against Celta Vigo, Barcelona eventually stumble across the finish line and Atletico Madrid win yet another bruising encounter. Sevilla’s formidable win against Getafe and Villarreal’s frustrating draw at Las Palmas combined with a surprise four goal adventure for Real Sociedad were among other highlights from round nine.

Is Benitez On Track?

Rafael Benitez divides opinion on a consistent basis – wherever he goes, and Madrid is no exception. However, due credit must be given to him as he has thus far succeeded in keping Real Madrid’s unbeaten record intact. The 3-1 victory at Celta Vigo underlined the resolve in this team to win the league this season.

Although there is still no Cristiano Ronaldo style demolition and dominance that Real followers have gotten used to as the forward has yet to hit to hit full stride this season, the bad news for the rest of the league is that even without him in top form Real are still on top of the league. With the first El Clasico slated in November Benitez will, quite obviously, be looking to keep his charges on top before they face their most famous opponent.

Messi’s Absence Making Camp Nou Less Intimidating

For those who saw the Barcelona match against Eibar, one thing was certain. - The absence of Lionel Messi takes the aura off the Blaugrana and the visiting teams feel that they start on an even keel and with a better chance at getting a result.

Luis Suarez and Neymar are holding their own in Messi’s absence but the mesmerizing influence of the Argentinian is on a different level. The injury to Iniesta isn't helping either as they continue to struggle for their usual fluidity. However despite these impediments, the good news is that Barcelona is still finding a way to win points. If they continue to do so over the next couple of rounds, Messi’s return could propel them even higher.

Simeone Loves Lurking Around

Diego Simeone has the look of a commander and the wit of a chess player. Time and time again, he loves to take on the might of Real and Barcelona despite the limited resources at his disposal.

The form of Antoine Griezmann is a huge plus for Atletico who continue to stay within striking distance of the top two. With his side back in the top three and in reckoning, Simeone will try to move away from the chasing pack and will pile the pressure on the top two.

Honeymoon Over For Celta Vigo And Villarreal?

Celta were proving to be an able challenger until their loss to Madrid. Since this was their first loss of the season the inquests into their sustainability and the potency of their challenge will inevitably begin. Villarreal also stumbled after dropping points at Las Palmas.

Sevilla is trying hard to make amends to their bad start and could be the team to watch out for from now and David Moyes must have been pleasantly surprised to see his beleaguered Sociedad team score FOUR goals!

La Liga is back to being a three horse race, though the chasing teams are still in with a fair chance of disrupting it. Surprisingly, none of the top three have looked menacing or totally dominating thus far and, for neutrals, this bodes well for the reminder of the season.

EPL DFS & Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-60" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]