BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Few observers imagined that top spot in the Spanish league would be up for grabs when Espanyol visits Real Madrid on Saturday.

But the undefeated Espanyol is in third place and just two points behind leader Madrid, which has won all four of its La Liga games.

Barcelona is second, tied on points with Espanyol, before hosting fifth-placed Getafe at its 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff on Sunday.

Key matchup

The modest “parakeets” of Espanyol can dream of ending the round at the top of the standings.

A win at Madrid, combined with Getafe taking at least a point at Barcelona, would see Espanyol move into first place after five rounds.

Espanyol only avoided relegation on the last day of last season and sold star goalkeeper Joan García to rival Barcelona this summer.

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