La Liga Round-up: Week 2
Week 2 of the new La Liga season delivered a mix of thrilling comebacks, dominant performances, and closely contested battles. With all matches now concluded, let’s break down the key results, outstanding individual performances, and the team that stole the show.
Summary of Matches
- Villarreal 5-0 Girona: Villarreal put on a masterclass performance, routing Girona in a one-sided affair. This dominant victory was the biggest home win of the week and a clear statement of intent from the Yellow Submarine.
- Levante 2-3 Barcelona: The reigning champions, Barcelona, had to dig deep to secure a hard-fought victory against a determined Levante side. After going down 2-0 at halftime, a second-half resurgence, spearheaded by Pedri, saw them score three goals to snatch all three points. This dramatic comeback highlighted Barcelona’s resilience and fighting spirit.
- Real Oviedo 0-3 Real Madrid: Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the season with a professional and clinical 3-0 win over newly promoted Real Oviedo. New signing Kylian Mbappé netted a brace, while Vinícius Júnior added the third, showcasing the formidable attacking power of Los Blancos.
- Athletic Club 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: In a tight affair, Athletic Club emerged victorious with a penalty goal from Oihan Sancet in the second half. It was a gritty win for the home side, demonstrating their defensive solidity.
- Sevilla 1-2 Getafe: Getafe pulled off a notable away victory at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, handing Sevilla their second consecutive defeat of the season. Goals from Adrián Liso secured the win for Getafe, who have now started the season with two wins from two.
- Real Sociedad 2-2 RCD Espanyol: A back-and-forth encounter saw both Real Sociedad and Espanyol share the spoils. Both teams traded blows throughout the match, resulting in a draw that maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
- CA Osasuna 1-0 Valencia: Osasuna secured their first win of the season with a narrow victory over Valencia. It was a hard-fought match, decided by a solitary goal, leaving Valencia still searching for their first three points.
- Real Betis 1-0 Deportivo Alavés: Real Betis got their campaign back on track with a solid win at home. A lone goal was enough to see them past Alavés and secure their first victory of the season.
- Mallorca 1-1 Celta Vigo: Mallorca and Celta Vigo battled to a draw in a match where neither side could find a decisive advantage. The result means both teams continue to sit on one point from their opening two games.
- Atlético Madrid 1-1 Elche: Atlético Madrid’s difficult start to the season continued with a home draw against Elche. Despite having a star-studded squad, they were unable to secure a victory and now sit with just one point from two matches.
Team of the Week (Best 11)
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Agustín Marchesín (Celta Vigo) – Was the key reason Celta Vigo didn’t lose against Mallorca, making several crucial saves to secure a point.
- Right-Back: Thierry Correia (Valencia) – Despite his team’s loss, he was a standout performer, strong in defense and a constant threat in the future.
- Center-Back: Pau Torres (Villarreal) – Anchored the defense in a dominant performance and was a key part of Villarreal’s clean sheet.
- Center-Back: Mario Hermoso (Atlético Madrid) – Showed defensive strength and leadership in a tough match for Atlético.
- Left-Back: Álex Moreno (Real Betis) – Contributed to his team’s clean sheet and was a threat with his overlapping runs and crosses.
- Midfielder: Pedri (Barcelona) – The engine of Barcelona’s comeback, he scored a vital goal and dominated the midfield with his passing and work rate.
- Midfielder: Juan Foyth (Villarreal) – A tireless presence in midfield, he was instrumental in Villarreal’s overwhelming win, providing both defensive cover and creative outlet.
- Midfielder: Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club) – Scored the winning penalty and was a constant source of energy and creativity for his team.
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Scored a brace in a fantastic individual performance, settling into the new league with ease.
- Forward: José Luis Morales (Levante) – Scored against Barcelona and was a constant threat, showcasing his attacking prowess despite his team’s loss.
- Forward: Ferran Torres (Barcelona) – Scored a crucial goal in the comeback and has started the season in great form.
Player of the Week
Pedri (Barcelona)
While Kylian Mbappé’s brace for Real Madrid was undoubtedly a highlight, Pedri’s performance for Barcelona earns him the Player of the Week award. Trailing 2-0 at halftime to a well-organized Levante side, Barcelona needed a spark. Pedri was the catalyst for their stunning comeback, scoring a brilliant goal early in the second half to ignite the team. His all-around performance was sensational, demonstrating immense control in the midfield, exceptional passing, and a relentless work rate. He was the difference-maker, turning a potential defeat into a crucial three points for the defending champions.
Most Outstanding Football Club for the Week
Villarreal
Villarreal takes the title for the most outstanding club of the week. Their resounding 5-0 demolition of Girona was a clear demonstration of their attacking firepower and defensive solidity. Not only did they score five goals, but they also kept a clean sheet, showcasing a complete performance. This victory not only places them at the top of the league table on goal difference but also sends a strong message to the rest of the competition that they are a serious force this season.
