Carlo Ancelotti has finally unlocked Vinicius' potential by honing his finishing skills and the Brazilian is now pushing Hazard for the left wing starter's spot.

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.

Ancelotti's first line-up featured the recently-returned Bale with Eden Hazard alongside Karim Benzema in the 1-4 win over Alavés, writes Alfredo Relaño.

Real Madrid visited Alavés on their centenary, Javier Berasaluce, a goalkeeper who played for both clubs in the 1950s took the honorary kick-off, writes Alfredo Relaño.

Alfredo Relaño looks back on Sunday's LaLiga action as Atlético Madrid secured a late 2-1 win against Alavés while Barcelona laboured to a 1-0 victory over Huesca.

Alfredo Relaño reacts to Real Madrid's home LaLiga defeat to Alavés on Saturday - a result that leaves them six points off top spot.