FC Barcelona closed the first day of LaLiga EA Sports as leaders along with Celta, Rayo and Valladolid, the only teams that managed to win on a date that had six draws, including the away defeats of the other two big favorites for the title, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. This Monday, the 'colchoneros' tied against Villarreal (2-2) in an entertaining match that culminated matchday 1 at El Madrigal.
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Diego Simeone's men reacted quickly to the goals from Danuma (18') and Koke (against 37') through Marcos Llorente (20') and Sorloth (45+2') in a very intense first half. In the second half, the pace dropped and, despite the entry of Julián Álvarez, the 'Cholo' team gave up two points in an even match from start to finish, despite the fact that the 'rojiblancos' had the ball a little more.
In the other match on Monday, Valladolid returned to Primera with a narrow victory at home against another of the promoted teams, Espanyol. Paulo Pezzolano's men took advantage of Raúl Moro's goal in the 23rd minute to win, in a match with few clear chances where the 'parakeet' team ended up falling despite dominating in the second half.
Barça, the only favorite for the title that could win in its debut
On Sunday, Madrid had also lost away from home against Mallorca (1-1). Rodrygo Goes put Carlo Ancelotti's team ahead in the 13th minute, but Vedat Muriqi equalized with a header in the 53rd minute. The Balearic team spoiled Kylian Mbappé's debut in the tournament thanks to excellent defensive work and a disorganized 'merengue' team lacking ideas that ended up very angry with Soto Grado's refereeing.
Before the duel in Son Moix, Rayo had given the surprise by winning in Anoeta against Real Sociedad (1-2). De Frutos and Cammello scored for the Madrid team, while Zubimendi scored a late goal for the Basques. On Saturday, Barça had made its debut at Mestalla, overcoming Hugo Duro's initial goal thanks to Robert Lewandowski's double. With the victory, the culés started Hansi Flick's cycle on the right foot and climbed to the top of the table alongside Celta, who had defeated Alavés at home on Friday (2-1).