Betis shares lead in Villarreal and Atletico LaLiga
In the opening matches of the season, Real Betis joined Villarreal and Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga after all three teams recorded identical results in their first three league fixtures. Each match finished with a 3-0 scoreline, signaling an aggressive start by the trio and setting a strong early pace for the championship in Spain. The early leaders were quick to make a statement, showing a clear intent to control play from the opening whistle and maintain pressure on the rest of the table. This start echoes the momentum seen at the outset of previous campaigns and positions Betis as a serious challenger in the early stages of the season, according to analysts watching the league closely. [citation]
With three straight wins, the season opened with a striking rhythm that fans had hoped for, and the results helped reassure supporters that the title race might feature several teams capable of sustaining a high level throughout the campaign. The early momentum also sparked discussions about squad depth, tactical flexibility, and the management’s capacity to rotate players while preserving performance. The league table began to take shape quickly as clubs balanced ambition with the practicalities of a congested schedule. [citation]
There were no major surprises on the opening day beyond Rayo Vallecano’s goalless draw with Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou and Sevilla’s defeat at Osasuna in Pamplona, which highlighted the difficulty of starting a season with immediate impact in a competitive landscape. These outcomes served as a reminder that even traditional heavyweights must adapt in the early weeks, and that a season can hinge on a few tight results. [citation]
Osasuna 2 – Seville 1
Osasuna demonstrated tenacity in their season opener, pushing Sevilla to the limit. The visitors, under Julen Lopetegui, opened the scoring through Chimy Ávila, marking his first La Liga goal. Rafa Mir equalized early, and the home side seized the moment, pressing forward. The decisive moment came when Osasuna earned a late penalty, converting to seal a deserved home victory that set the tone for the new campaign. [citation]
Celta Vigo 2 – Espanyol 2
An even contest between Celta and Espanyol unfolded at Balaídos, with both sides exchanging chances and goals. Iago Aspas threatened to tip the balance for the hosts, while Gonçalo Paciencia widened the gap at times. In a tense finish, Eduard and Joselu converted penalties late, keeping the match in balance and providing an entertaining start to both clubs’ campaigns. [citation]
Valladolid 0 – Villarreal 3
A stout showing by Villarreal against Valladolid underscored Castellón’s return to the top flight. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring, followed by a late brace from Alex Baena, sealing the win and signaling Villarreal’s intent to challenge near the summit. The efficiency of their forwards suggested a well-prepared squad ready for the early phase of the season. [citation]
Barcelona 0 – Rayo Vallecano 0
At the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona settled for a goalless draw despite presenting several new additions, including the club’s new striker, Robert Lewandowski. The match featured three goals ruled offside, underlining the precision limits in a game with high offside vigilance. Sergio Busquets received a yellow card in a tight midweek fixture that tested the squad’s adaptability. [citation]
Cadiz 0 – Real Sociedad 1
Real Sociedad edged Cadiz thanks to an early Japanese sensation, Get Kubo, who marked his debut with a goal that gave Imanol Alguacil’s side three points. Cadiz, aiming to steady a difficult start, found the task tough against the table leaders, who began the season with momentum and poise. [citation]
Valencia 1 – Girona 0
Carlos Soler provided the decisive moment, finishing with a single strike that proved enough for Valencia as they faced a late defensive siege with discipline. The match underscored Valencia’s opportunistic moments and their ability to capitalize on key chances to secure a narrow victory. Generous defending in the closing minutes highlighted the resilience required in a tight contest. [citation]
Almeria 1 – Real Madrid 2
Real Madrid earned a comeback win away from home, with the comeback coming after half the match had favored the hosts. Ramadan ahead of the Indalic team had Madrid looking in control for long periods, but Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba converted a late direct free-kick to seal the points for the reigning champions. [citation]
Athletic 0 – Mallorca 0
Athletic welcomed Mallorca to a tightly contested draw, with goalkeeper Rajković standing out as a central figure in a stalemate that saw every clear scoring chance expertly defended. Guruzeta’s late effort did threaten a breakthrough, but the match finished at nil-nil after a stubborn defensive display from both sides. [citation]
Getafe 0 – Atlético 3
Atletico Madrid opened with a commanding display under coach Diego Simeone, moving to the top alongside their rivals after a decisive away win. Alvaro Morata’s brace led the scoring, while Antoine Griezmann contributed in front of a hostile environment, and Getafe found little relief as Oblak’s goal kept the visitors shut out. The performance reinforced Atlético’s status as a title-contender early in the season. [citation]
Betis 3 – Elche 0
Betis extended their perfect start with a three-goal triumph that showcased Juanmi’s finishing prowess and Borja Iglesias’ sharp movement. The visitors were reduced to ten men late, further tilting the balance in favor of the Verdiblancos, who dominated possession and punished errors with clinical finishing. The win highlighted Betis’ attacking depth and tactical flexibility as the new campaign progressed. [citation]