Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Brazilian full-back Adriano was the unlikely matchwinner with a wonder-strike that ensured Barcelona made it two wins from two Primera Division games under new boss Gerardo Martino following a 1-0 success at Malaga.
The Catalan club opened their campaign with a 7-0 triumph against a hapless Levante side last week, but were short of their best form as well as injured star man Lionel Messi at La Rosaleda.
Adriano grabbed victory with a memorable 25-yard strike just before half-time although the hosts almost equalised after the break when Fabrice shot against the post from close range.
Atletico Madrid joined rivals Barcelona on six points by ruthlessly dispatching local rivals Rayo Vallecano 5-0 at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone's side, who opened their campaign with a 3-1 win at Sevilla, were three goals to the good by half-time as Raul Garcia, Diego Costa and Arda Turan all found the back of the net.
Rayo decided to tighten up in defence after Tiago added a fourth following the break but Garcia made sure there was no escaping a rout with one last goal on the stroke of full-time.
Second-half goals from Charles and Nolito ensured 10-man Celta Vigo claimed their first win of the Primera Division season with battling 2-1 victory at Real Betis.
However, after Borja Oubina was needlessly sent off for collecting a second bookable offence, Ruben Castro got Betis back into the match in the final minute only for fellow forward Chuli to hammer the bar from close range in added-on time as Celta Vigo just about held on.
Levante bounced backed from their humiliation at Barcelona with a goalless draw against Sevilla.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments