La Liga, Week 2: Madrid, Barcelona get identical results

Real Madrid started their match against Granada with no serious defensive presence in midfield, but it didn’t lead to an entertaining affair. Los Merengues scored in the 10th minute and looked fairly content with their lead. Granada had more chances than most would expect them to generate against Madrid, but couldn’t convert any of them as Carlo Ancelotti’s side held on for a 1-0 win.

Madrid looked to double their lead in spectacular fashion in the 15th minute, but had their goal called back. Isco hit a long quick free kick over the top of the defense for Mesut Özil, who finished with a cheeky chip, but the goal was disallowed because Isco had not stopped the ball completely before taking the free kick.

Maybe La Liga isn’t a two-team race? Okay, it still probably is, but Atletico Madrid is giving us enough reason to keep them in the discussion for now and, let’s be honest, we will jump at the chance to throw anyone new into the title conversation.

Hopes were high at the Calderon after Atletico started the season with a 3-1 win over Sevilla and hopes are even higher after the show that they put on Sunday. Raul Garcia scored after 17 minutes and Diego doubled the score three minutes later. Arda Turan also scored to give Atletico a 3-0 halftime lead then Tiago added a second half goal and Garcia made it a brice in the 90th minute to put a ribbon on a dominating win for the home side.

Adriano scored the game’s only goal in the 44th minute, hitting a strike from 25 yards to the far post. Willy looked to be in good position to make a stop, but reacted late to Adriano’s shot and was beaten.

Barcelona had a number of opportunities to expand their lead, but failed to capitalize. Pique hit the crossbar off a free kick int he 58th minute, looking to contact the ball with his back as opposed to his head. In the 63rd minute, Neymar entered the game, replacing Pedro.

Alert! Alert! No Lionel Messi! Alert! Alert!

Thank you. Now back to your regularly scheduled previews.

Here’s a recap of today’s matches in Spain.

Espanyol overcame an early Valencia goal to score a big 3-1 win over Los Che.

Two games today in Spain as the second week of league play kicked off. Enjoy a recap of the action.

An 85th minute penalty from Diego Castro Gimenez helped Getafe salvage a 2-2 draw and deny Almeria their first La Liga victory since 2010. It’s the second straight league match in which Almeria have blown a lead.