Four things we learned from Matchday Three in Spanish La Liga

Madrid (Spain), Aug 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The third round of matches in La Liga finishes on Monday with Cadiz against Athletic Club and Valencia entertaining Atletico Madrid, but the weekend has already taught us some important things.

Here are fourth things we learned from the matches held this weekend.

1. No Casemiro, no change at Real Madrid

   Even though the score in Real Madrid's visit to play Espanyol was 1-1 with just two minutes of normal time remaining, there was a feeling of inevitability about Real Madrid's win and sure enough, Karim Benzema put his side ahead in the 88th minute and sealed the victory with a free kick in the 10th minute of injury time.

   Once again Real Madrid weren't brilliant, once again Thibaut Courtois made a huge save to deny Espanyol striker Joselu when it was 1-1, and once again Vinicius Jr and Benzema were decisive.

   With Casemiro now at Manchester United, new signing Aurelien Tchouanmeni played in central midfield and the young Frenchman showed he is the perfect substitute, not only covering acres of the pitch but also providing the assist for Vinicius' opener.

   Things are virtually unchanged for the champions.

2. Lewandowski enjoys himself as Barca cruise

   Robert Lewandowski will be a key player if Barca are to challenge Real Madrid this season and the former Bayern striker is so far fitting the bill.

   Lewandowski scored twice in Barca's easy 4-0 win at home to Valladolid, as the recently promoted side turned up at the Camp Nou like a schoolboy entering the headmaster's office to accept punishment.

   Lewandowski is now the joint top scorer in La Liga with four goals and offers a threat with both feet and his head and he is perfectly suited to playing with two wide attackers, such as Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.

   After a shaky start against Rayo Vallecano, Barca are looking dangerous.

3. Problems at Sevilla

   Last season Sevilla were the only team able to keep pace with Real Madrid in the title race, before dropping off in the past two months of the campaign with some limp displays.

   The summer saw the departure of defenders Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde and left coach Julen Lopetegui with a rebuilding job. After three weeks of the campaign, the rebuild is still ongoing as Lopetegui's men sit with just one point from three games, reports Xinhua.

   Although they started brightly away to recently promoted Almeria, their lack of confidence was clear as Almeria turned the score around and now there are tentative calls for Lopetegui to be sacked.

   Sevilla have won just three of their last 15 league games: their worst run since the 2012-2013 season. That run cost Michel Gonzalez his job, and with Barca next up, it is a worrying time for the former Spain coach.

4. Killer Panda keeps Betis on fire

   Betis striker Borja Iglesias' nickname 'The Panda' (which actually comes from a rap song) could be one of the least appropriate in football as he shows a killer instinct the black and white furballs don't seem to possess.

   The former Celta and Espanyol striker took his time adapting after his move from Betis but ended last season with 19 goals and a Cup-winner's medal, and so far he has four goals in three games this campaign.

   Iglesias scored the winner in Betis' 1-0 win over Osasuna which keeps their 100 percent record with a thumping right foot shot and his work rate, pace and finishing, must soon earn him a call-up into the Spain squad.

Source: IANS