La Liga round-up: Atletico Madrid falter at home, Athletic Club secure first win and 10-man Real Sociedad beaten

MD3 of the 2024-25 La Liga season continued to Wednesday with four matches taking place across Spain. Atletico Madrid hosted Espanyol at the Metropolitano in the pick of the match-ups, while there was also a Basque derby at Reale Arena where Real Sociedad took on Alaves. The other two games saw Athletic Club face Valencia at San Mames, while Leganes made the trip to Real Valladolid.

Atletico Madrid 0-0 Espanyol

Atletico Madrid had hoped to make it back-to-back victories, but it was not to be against Espanyol. Diego Simeone’s side had plenty of chances to score, and to compound their frustration, VAR ruled out a goal from Rodrigo Riquelme in the second half. Two points dropped for the hosts, but a fantastic one for the Catalans.

Real Sociedad 1-2 Alaves

Real Sociedad were frustrated in their own backyard by Basque neighbours Alaves, who secured a priceless victory. The hosts were reduced to 10 men on the half hour mark when Mikel Oyarzabal saw red for a dangerous challenge, although they did manage to find the opening goal a few minutes later courtesy of Brais Mendez.

However, a 45th minute penalty from Asier Villalibre got Alaves back on level terms in Donostia-San Sebastian, and new signing Toni Martinez scored the winner on his debut in the second period.

Athletic Club 1-0 Valencia

A rather comfortable victory for Athletic Club – their first of the new season – at San Mames, which means that Valencia have lost each of their opening three matches. Benat Prados was the matchwinner for Los Leones, although the score could have been much more comfortable had it not been for Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Real Valladolid 0-0 Leganes

Not a classic at the Jose Zorrilla, as newly-promoted sides Real Valladolid and Leganes played out a goalless draw. It was a match of few big chances, and neither side can really complain at only picking up one point.

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