The new Spanish La Liga season is underway and Real Madrid have taken an early advantage over rivals Barcelona.

Los Blancos have got off to a flawless start to the campaign, winning each of their first four games to take a two-point lead at the top of La Liga at the first international break.

Golden Boy-elect Jude Bellingham is also enjoying a dream start to life in the Spanish capital. Despite spending three years at Borussia Dortmund, there was nothing to say the 20-year-old wouldn't be a little overawed by his move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

But the Birmingham graduate has taken to life in Spain like a duck to water, with five goals in his first four games.

There were question marks about how Real Madrid would line up this season, with midfielders Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga and Bellingham vying for game time, as well as the issue of who would lead the line following Karim Benzema's departure.

It appears Kroos and Modric will play more subdued roles this season, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde making Real Madrid a more resolute side Though it's still early in the season, Real Madrid's new system looks tough to unlock with eight goals scored and two conceded.

Barcelona were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw on the opening weekend at Getafe but have won all three games since. Despite winning La Liga last season, it's tough to know exactly what we'll get from Barcelona this time around.

Oriol Romeu is about to turn 32, Ilkay Gundogan is about to turn 33 and Robert Lewandowski has just turned 35. On the flip side, Gavi and Alejandro Balde are still teenagers, while Pedri is only 20, not to mention 16-year-old Lamine Yamal who's stepped up in the absence of the suspended Raphinha. 

If it's not to be either of the big two who are crowned champions, Atletico Madrid look best placed at 9/1. Diego Simeone's men put seven past Rayo Vallecano before the international break and are five points behind rivals Real with a game in hand.

Europa League winners Sevilla were amongst the favourites to occupy the fourth Champions League place this season but have endured a disastrous start to the campaign. After losing 2-1 to Valencia on the opening day, José Luis Mendilibar's side lost 4-3 to Alaves and followed that up with a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Girona.

bet365 News Team

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