MADRID, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona and Real Madrid both won again in the second round of the new La Liga season, but Atletico Madrid dropped points for the second consecutive weekend. Here are some takeaways from matchday two in Spain.
1. Barca reacts but Flick will worry about defense
FC Barcelona came back from 2-0 down away to Levante to claim a thrilling 3-2 win, maintaining its perfect start to the season.
Pedri and Ferran Torres scored early in the second half before Lamine Yamal's deflected effort late on secured the points, underlining Barca's attacking quality and fighting spirit.
However, coach Hansi Flick will be concerned by the two goals his side conceded. Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi looked shaky in central defense, and Flick may regret allowing his most reliable defender, Inigo Martinez, to move to Saudi Arabia to ease the club's financial fair play issues.
2. Mbappe on fire as Alonso shows willingness to rotate squad
Kylian Mbappe took the spotlight as Real Madrid won 3-0 away to a spirited Oviedo side, which was frustrated after conceding two late goals - the second coming just seconds after hitting the post.
Mbappe scored twice with clinical finishing, reinforcing the sense that Madrid's title challenge could depend heavily on his ability to deliver goals this season.
The match was notable as coach Xabi Alonso rotated his lineup from the 1-0 opening win over Osasuna. Dani Carvajal, Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo started in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Brahim Diaz and Vinicius Jr., and Alexander-Arnold now faces competition for his place from veteran Carvajal.
3. Atletico disappoints again and start season with a handicap
Atletico Madrid looked set for a comfortable win when Alexander Sorloth gave Diego Simeone's side an eighth-minute lead at home to newly promoted Elche. But Elche equalized seven minutes later and, under Eder Sarabia's disciplined coaching, held on for a valuable point.
After losing on the opening day to Espanyol, Atletico has just one point from six despite being La Liga's top spenders for a second straight summer. Already five points behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atletico faces pressure to win away to Alaves next week or risk seeing its title hopes fade with the season still in its infancy.
4. Worries for Girona
Girona faltered last season after losing key players and balancing Champions League and domestic play, but expectations were higher this campaign.
Instead, two games in, Michel's side has suffered heavy defeats - 3-1 at home to Rayo Vallecano and 5-0 away to Villarreal - with defensive lapses leaving the coach under pressure.
Next up is Sevilla, a counter-attacking side likely to test Girona further. Unless performances improve quickly, both the team and Michel's job could soon be in serious jeopardy. ■
