Atletico Madrid remained the only La Liga team with a 100 % record after making it three wins from three against Eibar at Wanda. Los Rojiblancos' 3-2 victory over Jose Luis Mendilibar's men keeps them on top, two points clear of Sevilla & Athletic Bilbao.
Indeed, so tight is the early La Liga table that only five teams have won two or more games, with 15 of the 20 sides all having claimed one victory thus far. The only side which is yet to open their account on the points table so far is Leganes.
But which players really impressed over the third weekend of La Liga action? Let's take a look at the players who impressed the most this past weekend in La Liga.
Formation - 4-3-1-2
GK - Rui Silva (Granada)
The newly-promoted Andalusian side were facing a tricky challenge at Espanyol this past weekend, but luckily their goalkeeper was up to their task. He made 3 saves to keep Granada in the game at crucial moments and was able to keep a clean sheet. Granada are now in the 9th position in La Liga table, thanks to his good positioning and quick reflexes. The 25-year-old Portuguese shot-stopper did everything required as Diego Martinez's men picked up their first clean sheet and three points of the season.
RB - Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Villareal had a game plan against Real Madrid but completely forgot about Carvajal and his prowess down the right side. Real Madrid will surely be disappointed with the result but Carvajal was at his best and helped the team keep possession in key moments and provided some good service from the right flank. His assist for Bale's first goal was a fine one, and his overall display was excellent, always available for the switched pass, and to stretch the play.
CB - Sergio Postigo (Levante)
The centre-back was rock solid alongside Ruben Vezo as Levante won 2-0 against Valladolid at home. He helped the team in attack too, by providing long balls upfront. He dealt with the threat of Sergi Guardiola and shut down several attacks from the opponents.
CB - Aissa Mandi (Real Betis)
Real Betis won their first game this season on Saturday, and centre-back Mandi helped them from the back. It was a close win for Betis as they came from behind to win the game and much praise belongs to the Algerian defender. He also hit the woodwork with a header from close range. He dealt brilliantly with the aerial threats and won all the aerial duels (3).
LB - Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid)
Atleti got a scare from Eibar on Sunday, but the Brazilian full back’s play on the back-line was sharp. Lodi recorded an assist on the team’s second goal and won five aerial duels. He was the best Atleti player on the pitch and created the most chances in the game (4). He also won 10 duels in the match (most from the game).
CM - Roberto Torres (Osasuna)
Osasuna dominated for large spells against Barcelona and Torres was at the heart of everything good from Los Rojillos. He scored both the goals as Osasuna earned an important point and remain undefeated in La Liga this season. He created three chances from the midfield as the Reds showed some real grit to earn a result against the Catalan side.
CM - Dani Parejo (Valencia)
Valencia won 2-0 at home against Mallorca on Sunday and Dani Parejo was the difference. He scored two goals and completed the most passes in the match (66). The Spaniard was dynamic in possession, driving his team forward as Valencia won their first game of the season.
CM - Denis Suarez (Celta Vigo)
The 25-year-old was much improved at Villareal in 2015-16 and has rediscovered that level this season with Celta Vigo. Ex-Barcelona midfielder Denis is given plenty of creative license by Fran Escriba and used it to full effect against Sevilla. He scored Celta's equalizer against Sevilla in the 84th min. He was good in ball possession and robust in defense as well with two tackles (most in the match).
AM - Nabil Fekir (Real Betis)
Real Betis’ win over Leganes was made possible by several contributors, and a crucial member was Fekir. The French international completed the most dribbles(4) in the match and create the most chances (4). He also won the most duels (10) from the game and was fouled the most times (5). He scored Betis' second goal and helped his team comeback against Leganes.
CF - Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)
Gerard Moreno's performance against Real Madrid was superb; he was certainly the standout striker of the week. Relentlessly attacking meant the Yellow Submarines were on the front foot constantly, and that contributed to an early lead, and he grabbed a goal inside 12 minutes to set the tone. Ramos committed an error as he was dispossessed by Moreno, who fed Ekambi in the box. The shot was blocked but the ball fell kindly back to Moreno, who put it past Courtois.
CF - Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
It was a mixed performance from Gareth Bale, more like a Diego Costaesque performance. He bagged two goals and was sent off in the extra time as he picked up two quick yellow cards. Zidane said in July it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left this summer but it was his brace that earned Madrid a point from a thrilling contest at La Ceramica. Bale started on the left midfield in a 4-4-2 deployed by Zidane.
Substitutes:-
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Ander Capa (Athletic Bilbao), Marc Cucurella (Getafe), Ever Banega (Sevilla), Arthur (FC Barcelona), Ruben Rochina (Levante), Darwin Nachos (Granada)
