Atletico Madrid scraped their first win of the season in La Liga Week 2, but Real Betis fired blanks for the second game running.
However, kicking off the weekend were Atleti’s neighbours Getafe, who beat Eibar 2-0 on Friday.
Goals from Angel Rodriguez and Jorge Molina either side of half-time condemned Eibar to their worst-ever start to a Liga campaign.
Next up saw Leganes fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Real Sociedad on Asier Garitano’s return to Butarque.
The match also marked the debut of Lega’s new mascot ‘Super Cucumber’, but La Real went two up inside the opening 17 minutes through David Zurutuza and Asier Illarramendi.
Nonetheless, Nabil El Zhar emerged as Los Pepineros’ saviour, netting twice in the second half for a share of the spoils.
After many years…
This Friday…
The Cucumber Knight returns…SUPER PEPINO!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bUF1RHvvOf
— C.D. Leganés (@CDLeganes_en) August 23, 2018
Meanwhile in the Basque Country, nothing could separate Alaves and Real Betis, with both sides still looking for their first wins.
The Andalusians dominated possession and had no less than nine attempts on target, but Fernando Pacheco was not to be beaten.
Finally, an Antoine Griezmann goal and a late double stop from Jan Oblak secured Atleti a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo.
It was a celebratory occasion at Wanda Metropolitano as Griezmann paraded the World Cup he won with France and Los Colchoneros’ European Super Cup.
The Frenchman had to wait until the hour mark to stab home from close range, but Diego Simeone’s side ultimately had Oblak to thank as he made two crucial saves near the death.
