MADRID, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The last round of matches in La Liga before the first international break of the season leaves just two teams with a 100 percent winning record. Here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. Alonso making his mark

Xabi Alonso is slowly making his mark as Real Madrid goes into the international break with three wins from three games, and the coach is using those matches to set the groundwork for what lies ahead.

Alonso seems to favor the more solid defense of Dani Carvajal away from home, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is favored at home. Meanwhile, Arda Guler has been given a more creative role and Vinicius Jr responded to seeing his place under threat with a hard-working display, including the winner, on Saturday.

There's a long way to go, but signs are this Real Madrid side won't be as entertaining, but will be tougher to beat.

2. Rayo takes deserved point against Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano followed its qualification for the group stage of the UEFA Conference League with a 1-1 draw at home to Barcelona. It would have been a win, but for Joan Garcia's stellar display in the Barca goal and a questionable penalty given to Barca when the VAR connection from the Vallecas Stadium happened not to be working.

Barca coach Hansi Flick will be worried at the way Rayo created a host of chances and opened up a defense that once again looked vulnerable without Inigo Martinez after his move to Saudi Arabia.

3. Different players need different style from Simeone

Atletico Madrid dropped another two points in a 1-1 draw away to Alaves on Saturday and has just two points from a possible nine.

Atletico took the lead for the third time in three games, but for the third time allowed its rival back into the game.

The problem seems in parts to be that Atletico looks suited to play more creative football than Diego Simeone's typical defensive style, and the coach wants players such as Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada to do something that doesn't suit their game, which makes the team look unbalanced.

4. Valverde guides Athletic Bilbao to perfect start

Despite injuries and six consecutive defeats in warm-up games, Athletic Bilbao kicked off the season with a win at home to Sevilla, before matchday 2 saw its improved display at home to Rayo Vallecano. On Sunday, Athletic produced its best performance so far to win 2-1 away to Real Betis.

Coach Ernesto Valverde has prepared his team to build up momentum ahead of a long season and in Bilbao, fans will think the best is yet to come. ■