Five takeaways from Matchday 2

After only two weeks of the new LALIGA EA SPORTS campaign, there are still five teams who boast 100 percent records. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are up there, as most expected, but so too are Villarreal CF, Athletic Club and Getafe CF. Some of these stories are worth discussing further, and feature below in these five takeaways from the opening two matchdays 

Villarreal CF are a force to be reckoned with, in Spain and Europe

Perhaps the happiest fanbase after two matchdays is that of Villarreal CF. That’s because El Submarino Amarillo have collected six points so far, scoring seven goals and conceding none in the process. The club from Castellón had a busy summer window and several of the new signings are already impressing. Tajon Buchanan, who turned his loan move into a permanent contract at the Estadio de la Cerámica, stood out with a hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over Girona FC, while Santiago Mouriño and Rafa Marin have caught the eye too. Marcelino’s side look like they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in LALIGA EA SPORTS this season, and perhaps in the Champions League too. 

Remember the name Adrián Liso

No player has scored more goals to start this LALIGA EA SPORTS season than Getafe CF’s Adrián Liso. The 20-year-old found the net in his team’s 2-0 away win at RC Celta on opening weekend, before scoring both of Los Azulones’ goals in a 2-1 victory away at Sevilla FC on Monday night. That puts Liso on three goals and level with Tajon Buchanan and Kylian Mbappé atop the goalscoring charts. A product of the Real Zaragoza academy, Liso is on loan at the Coliseum this season and is proving that he absolutely belongs in LALIGA EA SPORTS. He is certainly one to watch as the season progresses. 

Atlético de Madrid have problems to solve

After two matchdays, Atlético de Madrid have just one point to their name, which is the worst start they’ve ever had under Diego Simeone. By losing 2-1 at RCD Espanyol and drawing 1-1 at home to Elche CF, there is serious cause for concern at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Simeone stated in this weekend’s post-match press conference that patience is required and that the quality of his players will eventually shine through, but there is a fear that the issues run deeper than that. 

Mbappé is the early favourite to win the Pichichi Trophy

It took Kylian Mbappé four matchdays to score his first LALIGA EA SPORTS goal last season, after completing his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, but this term he has already netted three goals in just two games. The Frenchman has picked up where he left off last season, and has now scored 12 of Real Madrid’s past 15 league goals. After winning the Pichichi Trophy in his maiden Spanish season, Mbappé is once again the clear favourite to finish top of the scoring charts. Alongside Tajon Buchanan and Adrián Liso, he currently leads the way on three goals and looks dangerous every time he steps on the pitch.

Real Betis will make La Cartuja feel like home

While renovation work takes place at their Estadio Benito Villamarín, Real Betis will temporarily play at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Moving ground, even temporarily, can often be difficult for a club, but Real Betis proved on Friday night, in their home opener, that their famous support will roar as loud as ever at La Cartuja. They defeated Deportivo Alavés 1-0 in front of 54,500 fans, who made plenty of noise. As captain Marc Bartra walked out for kick-off, he looked visibly stunned by the atmosphere and commented on it afterwards. Recalling their Copa del Rey triumph there in 2022, he said: “Three years ago we made Real Betis champions at La Cartuja and yesterday, as soon as we set foot on the pitch, we felt again that this is a special stadium for us.”