MADRID, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The opening game of the new La Liga season saw Barcelona kick off with a defeat in Bilbao, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both won their opening matches. Here are some things to look out for in the second weekend of football in Spain.

1. How will Messi and Griezmann work together?

Lionel Messi was missing from Barca's 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao with a calf injury, while summer signing Antoine Griezmann was a peripheral figure for much of the game, but with Messi back in full training and Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele out injured, it looks as if the pair will line up against Real Betis on Sunday.

Both Messi and Griezmann like to drop deep to receive the ball in midfield, but with Messi injured for much of pre-season, they have not had chance to build up an understanding, so there is a chance they may get in each other's way from time to time.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde could ask Griezmann to play a more central role, but that is not his strength, so it remains to be seen how the talented duo will combine.

2. Bale returns to the Bernabeu

One of the more surprising stories of last weekend was Gareth Bale starting and impressing for Real Madrid after being virtually ostracized by coach Zinedine Zidane all summer.

Real Madrid should beat Valladolid in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday, but if Bale plays again - likely, with Eden Hazard still injured - it will be interesting to see how the fans react to his presence in the side.

Last season, Bale was the target for the 'Bernabeu boo-boys' with jeers greeting every one of his errors on the ball.

With the Welshman able to play on the left of the Madrid attack, which is clearly his best position, will he be able to turn those jeers into cheers?

3. Can Espanyol get off the mark in Vitoria?

Espanyol travel to play Alaves after beating Ukrainian side Zoyra 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night to take a decent, but not decisive lead to into next week's return leg.

However, they first need to get some domestic points in the bag.

Espanyol disappointed in their La Liga opener, losing 2-0 at home to Sevilla last Sunday, and the longer they remain on zero points, the more nerves will play a role.

Playing Europa League qualifying rounds usually gives teams a fitness edge at the start of the season and Espanyol need to take advantage of that, because if Wu Lei and company reach the group stage of the tournament, by Christmas they will have played 12 games more than most of their La Liga rivals, and that could be a problem.

4. Joao Felix to impress again?

Atletico Madrid's Portuguese striker Joao Felix had an impressive debut as his side beat Getafe 1-0 on the opening day, with one incredible run to win a penalty.

Cramp forced him out on 65 minutes, but the 19-year-old will be in the side again as Atletico make the short trip to play a Leganes side that lost at home to Osasuna last week.

Leganes will be another tightly organized side, and Joao Felix's close control and pace could be decisive, as could the ability of right-back Kieran Trippier to deliver a telling cross.

Trippier's ball set up Morata for the only goal a week ago and the Englishman is quietly winning himself a good reputation in Spain. Enditem

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