Then Leganes' coach Asier Garitano shouts instructions to his players during the Spanish league football match Club Deportivo Leganes SAD vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the Estadio Municipal Butarque in Madrid on Sept 30, 2017. (CURTO DE LA TORRE / AFP)

MADRID - Deportivo Alaves coach Asier Garitano admits that most coaches and players in La Liga will have doubts when their sides return to action over the coming days after a COVID-19-enforced layoff of over three months.

The game was played at a good rhythm, albeit slightly lower than normal as the teams strive for match fitness after just one month of training

Sevilla and Real Betis restarted the Spanish season on Thursday, with Sevilla winning the local derby 2-0 in front of empty stands.

The game was played at a good rhythm, albeit slightly lower than normal as the teams strive for match fitness after just one month of training, with both Munir for Sevilla and Betis' Marc Bartra picking up muscle problems.

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Speaking on the Alaves website ahead of their game away to bottom side Espanyol on Saturday, Garitano said that "everyone is going to have the same doubts before we start," due partly to not being able to play practise games.

"We don't know what will happen, because nobody has the same level they had before the halt and we are all starting from scratch. It's going to be really difficult," commented the Alaves coach.

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"It is going to be important for everyone to stay calm, keep a positive mentality and know that we are going to have to suffer," continued Garitano, who added that the fact his side will have to play 11 matches between now and July 19 will probably mean some members of Alaves' B team could get their chance to play in La Liga.