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La Liga finally ended its long summer sabbatical and was back in action over the weekend, enthralling fans with the kind of football that only the Spanish League can deliver. Real Madrid started the season with a tame 0-0 draw against Real Mallorca. Champions Barcelona on the other hand cruised to a 3-0 victory over Racing Santander, with David Villa scoring on his debut. Elsewhere, Valencia won 3-1 at Malaga thanks to a brace from Joaquin Sanchez and Sevilla hammered Levante 4-1 as Abdoulay Konko netted a brace.

Madrid had to settle for a point at Mallorca, as a frustrated Jose Mourinho watched his side waste numerous chances to seal victory. New signings, Ricardo Carvalho and Angel Di Maria started for the away side as they controlled possession for large portions of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal but all credit to Mallorca keeper Dudu Aouate who made save after save to deny Madrid. Overall a disappointing start to the season for Mourinho's men as they've given arch rivals Barcelona an early head start. Ronaldo also picked up a knock in the game and will have some scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

Over in Santander, Barcelona were comfortable 3-0 winners. All three starting forwards scored for the Catalans, with Lionel Messi opening the scoring in the 3rd minute with a sumptuous finish and Andres Iniesta doubling their advantage around the half hour mark with a powerful volley from the edge of the box. Racing were then awarded a penalty, but Victor Valdes saved Mohamed Tchite's effort to preserve Barcelona's two goal lead going into half-time. Around the hour mark, David Villa headed in from Dani Alves' cross to give the Champions a commanding 3-0 lead. A satisfying opening day victory for Barcelona, who are looking to win a 3rd successive La Liga title.

Valencia started life without David Villa and David Silva with a 3-1 victory over Malga on Saturday. New signing Aritz Aduriz put Los Che in the lead in the 10th minute with a towering header from Ever Banega's cross. Sebastian Fernandez brought the home side level on the stroke of half-time with a flick at the near post. The game was tantalizingly poised until Joaquin scored two goals in 5 minutes halfway through the 2nd half. His first came in the 70th minute when his low shot took a deflection and ended up in the back of net. The former Real Betis winger then blasted a shot into top corner for his second and Valencia's third.

In the other game on Saturday, Sevilla came from a goal down to beat Levante 4-1 at the Ciutat de València. The home side took the lead in the 10th minute through Ruben Suarez, who scored from the penalty spot. But within 2 minutes Sevilla were level thanks to a goal from Abdoulay Konko. Around the half hour mark, Sevilla were handed a dubious penalty for a foul on Diego Perotti, replays suggested the tackle was made outside the box. Alvaro Negredo stepped up to convert from the spot and put Sevilla in the lead. Konko grabbed his second in the 62nd minute, the Frenchman collected Jesus Navas' through ball and prodded home to give Sevilla the cushion of a two goal lead. The 4th came towards the end of the game as Renato headed into an empty goal to cap a very satisfying performance by the Los Palanganas.

In the other results of the opening weekend, Real Sociedad beat Villarreal 1-0 thanks to a Xabi Prieto goal while Espanyol were comfortable 3-1 winners over Getafe and finally Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza played out a 0-0 draw.

Scores:

Hércules 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
Racing Santander 0-3 Barcelona
Málaga 1-3 Valencia
Deportivo 0-0 Zaragoza
Levante 1-4 Sevilla
Espanyol 3-1 Getafe
Real Sociedad 1-0 Villarreal
Osasuna 0-0 Almería
Mallorca 0-0 Real Madrid

File Photograph Copyright: Darz Mol

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