Messi may be gone from laliga but the league still continues as the first matchday went on last weekend. A lot of games was played and of course, a lot of talents were in full display as the league commences their season. The big dogs got off to a winning start and while the league might appear a little weak, the league will definitely be more competitive as no team has an edge over the others.

Real Madrid started their title challenge with an impressive 4-1 victory while away playing for Alaves. Benzema who was their key man got two goals and he is sure to be the sure contender for the golden boot comes the end of the season. Benzema has been impressive for real Madrid since Ronaldo left but Messi has always overshadowed him but with Messi gone, he will be one of the star players to watch in the laliga.

Some other players also stepped up and with the likes of Hazard coming back fitter than he has ever been, it is expected that this season might be when he finally turns up for Real Madrid and at age 31, time is fast running out for him. Vinicius Junior also appears to be a player to watch out for and he has grown over the years, this is likely the time for him to start fooling around and start putting the goals in the net for the Blancos.

The defending champions have no clear star man or target many but they are worth watching as they have always devised means to grind out results and Sunday was no different. In a match against Celta Vigo in which they played away, they still got the job done by grinding out a 2-1 result in a match which was marred by two-goal red cards and numerous yellows.

Two-goal hero Angel Correa was the man who delivered the goods when needed and they could rely on him when in need of them. Not forgetting that Luiz Suarez is still an Athletico Madrid at the moment and he played from the bench on Sunday. Felix had no hand on Sunday's game but he could definitely turn up this season and be relied upon when called upon.

Despite the loss of Messi due to financial restrictions and debt, Barcelona turned up yesterday as they dismantled their opponent (Real Sociedad) in a six-goal thrilling match. Barca scored four out of those goals with two coming from an unlikely source in the person of Martin Braithwaite who had an amazing outing, his two goals and assists was a testament that Barca could still score goals without Messi in the team and with Aguero out injured.

With Martin giving this return, he indeed showed that Barca is in capable hands in the absence of Aguero. Depay also provided an assist in his debut and he showed a glimpse of what he is made up of. Barca looks sharp and raring to go for this season. In a way, Barca looks complete in a way that they haven’t been in a way.

With all been said, I sincerely feel that the race for the league will be more open than ever but you can think otherwise, after all, it's football and we all have different opinions. Will be pleased to hear what you feel in the comment section.