The first international break of the season comes around quickly for La Liga teams and although only having started their campaigns two weekends ago, already find themselves with time off to reflect on their opening couple of fixtures.
It may be far too early to read too much into the new campaign, but based on what we have seen in the 180 minutes each side has had to show case their talents, we can take some strong assumptions as to how the season may pan out.
Asensio looks the Real deal
Marco Asensio’s double against Valencia at the weekend proved what we already knew, that the 21-year-old is the likely heir to the Ronaldo throne.
In all competitions, this season, the Spaniard has scored four goals in five games and is making Gareth Bale look surplus to requirements.
Asensio’s form against Valencia took some of the pressure away from Real head coach Zinedine Zidane who saw his side draw 2-2 with Marcelino García Toral’s men in which Real had 22 shots to Valencia’s 7.
Up next for Real is a home tie against Levante after the international break with Real favourites at 1/16 the draw at 12/1 and a Levante victory at 40/1 in a game that can be bet on when you get the latest Ladbrokes free bet.
No one messes with Girona
Much like Huddersfield in the Premier League, Girona were supposed to be the whipping boys of La Liga this season, however, try telling that to Atletico Madrid who could only manage a draw at the clubs Montilivi and then Malaga who lost 1-0 to Pablo Machín band of merry men.
The Catalan minnows are making their first appearance in La Liga and four points from their opening two fixtures is an excellent return especially when you consider the calibre of competitor they have faced.
Two games does not make a season but three points is three points no matter when collected and although they will no doubt be on the end of the odd thrashing, early points on the board will do wonders for confidence and the clubs survival chances.
Valencia finally set to put two seasons of turmoil behind them?
At the end of the 2014/15 season, Valencia finished fourth in La Liga and qualified for the Champions League. This was not a shock as Valencia are a well-respected regular European competitor.
However, the two seasons that followed saw Valencia nervously glance over their shoulders as relegation threatened. Both times the club has pulled away but after back to back 12th place finishes, Valencia are starting to look like their former selves once again after a draw with Real Madrid and win over Las Palmas.
Granted it is still early days but head coach Marcelino García Toral appears to be getting a tune out of his underachievers early doors into the season.
The draw with Real Madrid may have flattered slightly as Real dominated possession and shots at goal, but what would have pleased Los Che fans is that the team looked dangerous when on the attack and played within their means.
Keep it up and Valencia could be back in the big time once more.