(Football news) It's only the 2nd game of La Liga and the big boys have already dropped points. Both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona started the campaign in grand fashion but have been hit with a reality check this time around. Both the teams lost their talismen and club captains this summer and the problems are starting to seep in. Barcelona without Lionel Messi lacked attacking creativity and flair while Real Madrid without Sergio Ramos looked fragile and clueless in defence.

FC Barcelona had an away trip to Athletic Club which has always been a tricky fixture for them. The Catalans were on the back foot from the get go. Los Leones caused quite a few problems for the Barcelona back line, especially the stand-in goalkeeper Norberto Neto who didn't look comfortable with the ball at his feet. Things worsened for the Blaugrana when Gerard Pique had to come off because of an injury. Inigo Martinez scored from a corner in the 50th minute to give the home side a much deserved lead. Barcelona started attacking a lot more after going down and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 75th minute. Memphis Depay pounced on Sergi Roberto's over the top long ball to smash it in the top corner. Barcelona ended a bad day at the office with a straight red to Eric Garcia in injury time.

Barcelona's lack of creativity in the final third was heavily highlighted. Marc Andre Ter Stegen was a big miss as Neto's inability to play with his feet affected Barcelona. New signing and goalscorer Memphis Depay was by far the best player on the pitch but Barcelona still have a lot of problems to solve especially with their forward line. With Pique injured and Garcia suspended for their next game against Getafe it is going to be a tough fixture for the Blaugrana.

Also read: Carlo Ancelotti seems to have finally brought attacking football back to Madrid

The game between Real Madrid and Levante was a drama filled thriller. The game had everything a neutral fan hopes to see. Unfortunately Real Madrid fans won't be too pleased with the way their side defended. Gareth Bale scored his first Real Madrid goal in nearly 2 years to give the visitors an early lead. Madrid totally dominated the first half creating plenty of chances but had only 1 goal. It all went crazy in the 2nd half when Roger Martí equalised just seconds after the start of play. Los Blancos were completely rattled and lost their rhythm. Jose Campana scored an absolute peach of a volley to give Levante the lead in the 57th minute. 

Carlo Ancelotti quickly responded with a triple substitution to try and turn the match around. It worked wonders as Vincius Jr. scored the equaliser in the 73rd by pouncing on a brilliant through ball by Casemiro. The joy didn't last long as Róber Pier scored from a set piece to restore Levante's lead. 6 minutes later Vinicius scored his 2nd to bring Real Madrid back on level terms. Just moments later Vinicius was once again through for an own goal when Levante's keeper Aitor Fernandes came out almost till the half way line and used his hand to stop a certain goal. The shot stopper was shown a straight red after Levante had used all their substitutes. Center back Ruben Vezo had to go in goal for the final few minutes but Real Madrid failed to test him between the sticks as the game ended 3-3.

Real Madrid did play Ancelotti's attacking brand of football but were incredibly weak defensively. All 3 Levante goals came from a complete loss in concentration by Los Blancos. Vinicius Jr. is often criticised for his composure in front of goal and has scored 3 goals in 55 minutes. Ancelotti in his post match interview suggested that the Brazilian might start the next game after his impressive performances.

The reigning champions Atletico Madrid kept it simple in their home game against Elche. Angel Correa was gifted a goal in the 39th minute after a blunder from former Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. Diego Simeone's men stuck to their tried and trusted defensive tactics. Angel Correa has repaid Someone's trust by scoring 3 goals in 2 games. Luis Suarez was once again deemed not fit enough to start but did play 30 minutes.

Atleti once again showed why they are the favourites to win the league. With Real and Barca showing early signs of weakness Atletico Madrid are the team most likely to retain the title.