MADRID, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The third round of La Liga matches saw Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid turn in impressive displays, while Villarreal is still searching for its first win under new coach Inigo Perez. Here are four things we learned this weekend in Spain.
1. Real Madrid impresses in free-scoring start to season
Real Madrid cruised to a 4-0 win over newly-promoted Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Although Malaga was missing key players in defense, that should not take too much away from a confident Madrid display in which Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe stood out.
Both have carried their World Cup form into La Liga and have been vital as Real Madrid has scored eight goals in the first two home matches of the season.
Meanwhile, the confidence Jose Mourinho has instilled in his players also appears to be a major factor in Real Madrid's strong start.
2. Villarreal needs home comforts
Villarreal finished third in La Liga last season, and there are high hopes that dynamic young coach Inigo Perez can maintain that level after the excellent work he did with Rayo Vallecano.
However, after three games this season, Perez is still looking for his first win following a 1-0 defeat away to Alaves. Villarreal had more than 70 percent possession and seven shots on target but lost to one of Alaves' two efforts on target.
Perez has not been helped by his side having to play all three of its opening games away from home because of refurbishment work at the Estadio de la Ceramica. He will hope two consecutive home games can help Villarreal return to winning ways.
3. No Julian, no problem for Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez's wish to leave Atletico Madrid and the club's determination not to sell him to Barcelona have dominated the headlines over the past week, especially after he missed training for three days. But whatever the outcome of the summer transfer saga, Atletico's first-half performance in its 3-1 win away to Sevilla showed the club can thrive without him.
Spain international Alex Baena scored twice and Ademola Lookman also found the net as Atletico tore Sevilla apart in the first half. Buoyed by an impressive World Cup, Baena looked back to the form that persuaded Atletico to sign him from Villarreal a year ago.
Atletico will look to sign a replacement forward if Alvarez leaves, but Saturday's performance showed his departure would not necessarily be a disaster.
4. Racing and Elche thrill, but both have defensive concerns
Racing Santander fans celebrated their side's first La Liga win in 14 years with a 3-2 victory over Elche on Friday, but the game also highlighted defensive issues that could cause problems for both teams this season.
Racing found holes throughout Elche's defensive line, which left plenty of space to exploit, and players such as Inigo Vicente, Yassir Zabiri and Andres Marin showed they could pose a threat to many opponents.
However, when Elche got back into the game through a deflected shot in the 78th minute, Racing struggled to maintain its composure at the back.
Two games at El Sardinero have produced nine goals. That promises plenty of entertainment for supporters, although perhaps not much peace of mind. ■
