LaLiga 2017/2018 Team of the Week: Morales, Messi and Maxi shine on opening weekend

Forwards: Morales (Levante), Maxi Gomez (Celta Vigo) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Messi anchored FC Barcelona in the absence of Neymar for a victory over Real Betis

Many may have written off the newly promoted LaLiga sides before they had a chance to prove their worth, but Levante's 1-0 win over Villarreal on Monday showed that they are certainly not in the top flight to make up the numbers. Morales and Tono were brilliant in combination down the left-hand side, with the former managing to both win and score a late penalty to secure his side three important points.

Maxi Gomez arrived in Galicia with a stellar goalscoring record at Defensor Sporting, but scoring two goals on his debut for Celta Vigo will be nothing short of a dream come true. Le Celeste narrowly lost 3-2 to Real Sociedad, but the young Uruguayan striker found the back of the net twice. The way that he adjusted his body, demonstrating the spatial awareness required to tuck home two neat finishes, highlights that he has the style of a natural goalscorer - which means there should be plenty more to come.

Barcelona find themselves in a difficult period, one which offers instability both on and off the pitch at Camp Nou.

In their time of trouble, with Luis Suarez injured and no Neymar to count upon, Lionel Messi shouldered the responsibility of inspiring the hosts to a comfortable win against Real Betis. The Argentine made himself a nuisance in and around the box, and was vital in the build-up to the opening goal. The Argentine struck the woodwork on three occasions, cruelly denying him the goal required to cap a great showing.