Whenever a new batch of clubs win promotion to the top flight, it becomes almost ritualistic for experts to instantly tip them for relegation. However, the opening weekend of the season was a surprise to many, to the extent that the promoted teams from La Segunda – Real Betis, Sporting Gijon and Las Palmas – could confound the experts and stay up.
Sporting's efforts last week certainly confounded many people. When the fixture list was released to show their League opener was at home to Real Madrid, it posed a tough proposition. However, under Coach and former Barcelona defender Abelardo Fernández, they battled like lions in front of 30,000 fans at El Molinon. Their organisation, discipline and work-rate were at peak levels as they held Madrid to a famous 0-0 draw.
They've come a long way from last year, when they were in administration and €30m in debt. Were it not for a 91st-minute goal by Lugo’s Pablo Caballero against Girona they would have been in the playoffs and may not have won promotion. That could have meant being relegated to the amateur Leagues, although there are two factors which can stop them getting relegated when analysing Los Rojiblancos.
Firstly, their fans at El Molinon can be their 12th man like against Madrid, whipping up a great atmosphere to inspire their team. There is no question Sporting's home form is vital, should they want to stay up.
Secondly, the club have bought well, even if in they are only loan deals in the form of Barca midfielder Alen Halilovic and Roma striker Antonio Sanabria. The latter played well on Sunday and could have even won the game, thereby winning hero status in Gijon, if his well-placed header went over the line off the bar. As for Halilovic, his creativity will seek to add another attacking dimension. Abelardo will now hope his side can build on their hard-earned point away to Real Sociedad this weekend.
As for Las Palmas, despite losing 1-0 away to Atletico Madrid, they showed promise and competed well against one of La Liga’s big clubs. It's a measure of their spirited performance that Los Amarillos lost via a deflected free kick. However, although this is their first appearance in the top tier since 2002, they need to get points on the board to kick-start their season.
Avoiding defeat against Levante at home will inspire confidence because their fixture list gets harder next month. They face back-to-back fixtures against Sevilla and Barca in the space of four days in September, made all the more harder as they won promotion through the playoffs, meaning they had a shorter amount of time to prepare for the new campaign. It could get even tougher for Las Palmas if points are not won before they face Sevilla and Barca.
Meanwhile, Betis did well to earn a point at home to Villarreal. Under Coach Pepe Mel, they returned to the top flight after one season in La Segunda. It's hoped the financial problems suffered in 2013-14 will soon be a thing of a past. However, fans of Los Verdiblancos are nonetheless confident they can stay up, especially thanks to their astute signings.
Acquiring Rafael van der Vaart was a clever move, with Mel no doubt able to use the Dutchman's wealth of experience to good use. In addition, experience in the squad has been furthered via Juan Manuel Vargas. No doubt, when the 52,500 capacity crowd of Benito Villamarin is in full voice, Betis can be a difficult team to face.
The Seville derby against Sevilla will be a game which, if victorious, will not only bring joy but also confidence they can stay up. Their next fixture may be a daunting task away to Madrid, but they'll have taken great confidence from what Sporting did a week ago.
This season may now be in full swing, but there's no reason why any of the promoted clubs can't avoid relegation. With a bit of luck, it could happen.
