The second match week of La Liga kicked off at the Madrigal where Villarreal hosted Catalan outfit Espanyol. The Yellow Submarine have acquired Roberto Soldado after his two forgettable seasons at Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League, but the forward is enjoying his return to the Spanish league and it was reflected in his performance when he scored his team’s first goal in the 67th minute. By the final whistle, Soldado had added two assists to his name as well to help Villarreal run away 3-1 winners.
After a scoreless draw against Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid came all guns blazing in their second match and ran away 5-0 winners over Real Betis. Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez scored a brace each, while Karim Benzema scored his team’s other goal.
At the top end of the table, Barcelona registered their second successive 1-0 win as a strike from Thomas Vermaelen settled the affair in the Catalan team’s favour. The match remained scoreless at half time and with Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni in stellar form, it appeared as if the hosts would drop their first points of the campaign at the Camp Nou, but their perseverance paid off as Vermaelen found the back of the net in the second half.
One of the surprising things about the early season is the fact that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal so far.
Atletico Madrid also registered their second successive win as they headed into the international break. Los Rojiblancos put up a stellar display against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan against Unai Emery’s men and a goal each from Koke, Gabi and close season arrival Jackson Martinez was enough for Diego Simeone’s side to collect all three points.
David Moyes’ Real Sociedad were held to a scoreless draw by newly-promoted Sporting Gijon, who had frustrated Real Madrid in their opening league fixture. Other La Liga new boys Las Palmas also played out a scoreless draw against Levante on Sunday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Valencia, who have recently made their way to the group stage of the Champions League after defeating Monaco in the playoffs, were held by Deportivo La Coruna to a 1-1 draw, whereas Granda handed a 2-1 defeat to Getafe.
In what has been the story of the early season, Eibar, who were relegated last season only to be reinstated due to Elche’s financial troubles, defeated their illustrious Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao and stand second in the league standings heading into the international break.
Celta Vigo are the early league leaders after they followed up their 2-1 win over Levante in the opening weekend with a 3-0 win over Madrid outfit Rayo Vallecano. With a +4 goal difference, the Galicians are the early La Liga leaders and have been greatly helped by scintillating form of former Barcelona player Nolito, who has continued his heroics from the past season and has netted twice as well as registered one assist so far.