Real Sociedad

At this time every year Spain's minnows get their day in the sun in the Copa del Rey, which also provides a shock or two and keeps smaller teams afloat.

The big question ahead of the opening games was how Barça (and LaLiga) would respond without Messi, writes Alfredo Relaño. Any concerns were soon allayed.

Two thousand Atlético Madrid fans celebrated outside an empty stadium and inside a teary-eyed Diego Simeone walks across the pitch at the Jose Zorilla stadium and consoles Valladolid defender Kiko Olivas

Alfredo Relaño reacts to Atlético Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Wednesday - a result that leaves Diego Simeon's men two victories from the title.