FC Barcelona were pushed to their limits in a 2-0 victory over Cadiz during their inaugural league match at the Montjuic Stadium in Barcelona on Sunday night.

Ferran Torres of Barcelona scores a goal during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF in Barcelona, Spain, Aug. 20, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

The fixture hinted at the challenges awaiting Barca this season, with their Camp Nou Stadium under reconstruction. The vast open areas in the stands and a muted ambiance were palpable, especially against a resilient Cadiz that not only defended stoutly but also created scoring opportunities.

Conan Ledesma's series of outstanding saves kept Cadiz competitive. However, he was rendered powerless when Pedri netted a goal in the 82nd minute. Ferran Torres added another during injury time, a goal that somewhat belied Barca's initial struggles.

Meanwhile, Betis and Atletico Madrid played out a goalless draw at the Benito Villamarin Stadium. Despite having the better chances, Betis' erratic finishing prevented them from registering a shot on target. Nonetheless, Isco's commendable midfield debut for the Seville-based club was the highlight.

Veteran forward Cristhian Stuani netted two after the break as Girona clinched a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Getafe at home. Yangel Herrera's 11th-minute goal meant Getafe couldn't resort to their delaying tactics as seen in their previous fixture against Barcelona. Stuani executed a volley in the 55th minute and capitalized on a goalkeeper's blunder shortly thereafter.

On Saturday, Jude Bellingham bagged a brace, enabling Real Madrid to overturn a deficit and secure a 3-1 win at Almeria. Almeria had initially taken the lead in the second minute courtesy of former Madrid prodigy, Sergio Arribas before Bellingham leveled in the 19th minute and hit a header from a Toni Kroos delivery. Vinicius Jr further extended the lead with a slightly deflected shot.

Real Sociedad were left ruing a last-minute goal as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo. Oscar Mingueza's 93rd-minute strike nullified Ander Barrenetxea's earlier header. Speculations abound about Celta's Rafa Benitez sidelining Gabri Veiga due to an impending transfer to Serie A club, Napoli.

Nico Williams was instrumental in both goals as Athletic Club Bilbao bounced back from their previous week's loss to Real Madrid, recording a 2-0 victory over Osasuna. Nico assisted his sibling, Inaki, for the opener and later facilitated Gorka Guruzeta's close-range finish. Bilbao's challenges compounded in the second half with Unai Simon's saves, a sending-off for Oihan Sancet, and a straight red shown to Osasuna's Chimy Avila in injury time.

On Friday, Gerard Moreno's close-range goal ensured Villarreal's 1-0 win over Mallorca. Concurrently, Pepelu's strike for Valencia underpinned Ruben Baraja's team's perfect start, marking a 1-0 win against the newly-promoted Las Palmas. 

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