First division - day 1

Atlético Madrid top the table after the first round of matches of the newly named Liga BBVA, a 4-0 victory over Málaga rounding off a great week for the club. Heitinga started things off deflecting a shot from Ujfalusi past Arnau, and Diego Forlán added two more before the break, the second from the penalty spot. And Sinama-Pongolle completed the rout late on to take his side ahead of Valencia in the table.

Surprises though on the opening weekend, with Barcelona losing 1-0 to newly promoted Numancia, the first time they have lost on day one for 14 years. Mario got the only goal, and although Eto'o and Messi hit the woodwork they couldn't get past a "Numantine" defence. Real Madrid were also beaten 2-1 by Deportivo later in the evening, with Lopo heading the winner after Van Nistelrooy had equalised Mista's early strike. Records don't show when the big two both suffered defeats at the start of the season, although Madrid have not won in the Riazor in 18 years.

A disappointing start as well for Athletic Bilbao, who were beaten 1-3 by Almería. The visitors raced in to a three goal lead with just over half the game gone, Pellerano and Negredo putting them two up before the break and Juanma Ortíz getting the third before half time substitute Ion Vélez got one back. Yeste missed a penalty after that which could have put his side back in the game. Betis also got off to a bad start, losing 0-1 to neighbours Recreativo thanks to a goal from Adrián Colunga shortly before the interval.

Racing Santander and Sevilla drew 1-1 in their first game, with Luis Fabiano getting the opener for the Andalusians and Juanjo heading the equaliser a few minutes later. Palop had saved a first half Garay penalty before that. And Osasuna and Villarreal also drew 1-1, Marcos Senna putting the visitors ahead with a well struck free kick early in the second half before Iran's Nekounam equalised from the penalty spot after his fellow countryman Masoud was fouled. Both teams ended with ten men after Godín and Miguel Flaño were sent off. The match between Sporting Gijón and Getafe also appeared to be heading for a draw before Casquero made it 1-2 to the Madrid based side near the end. Albín had put them ahead but Diego Castro levelled the scores a few minutes before half time. (31.08.08)

The new season got under way this weekend, with Espanyol beating Valladolid 1-0 to record their first win on the opening day in seven years. Luis García got the only goal of the game just a minute in to the second half after De la Peña set him up. A couple of hours later Valencia bounced back from their Supercup defeat with a 3-0 victory over new look Mallorca, throwing down the gauntlet to the other title favourites. Villa and Mata put them two up in a four minute period close to half time, and Vicente wrapped things up after the restart. (30.08.08)