6 big talking points from LaLiga's opening weekend

#5 Levante trample new-found Betis enthusiasm

The shock of the weekend came at the Benito Villamarin. Quique Setien’s Real Betis earned many admirers with their style of football last season and enthused their passionate local support with a fifth-place finish.

A summer transfer window that saw the capture of William Carvalho and astute signings of Takashi Inui and Sergio Canales ensured plenty of season tickets were sold and expectations increased.

Then Levante came along and spoiled the party before it could really get going.

Levante staved off relegation last season thanks to some remarkable late-season form that saw them win six of their last eight games, including a 5-4 win over Barcelona.

It seems they’ve taken that form into the new season, with captain Jose Luis Morales leading the charge. His two goals in the second half sealed an eye-catching 3-0 victory and a sign that Levante may have grander ambitions than just staying in the league.

For Betis, this was a reminder that the hard work starts all over again and that they’ll have to defend a lot better if they’re to repeat last season’s heroics.