Deportivo 2 - Betis 4

Deportivo: Molina; Scaloni, Andrade (Duscher 58'), Naybet, Romero; Mauro Silva, Sergio (Luque 65'); Víctor, Valerón, Fran (Diego Tristán 58'); Makaay. 4-2-3-1.
Betis: Prats; Varela, Juanito, Rivas, Luis Fernández; Arzu, Marcos Assunçao; Joaquín (Cañas 90'), Capi (Filipescu 80'), Denilson (Fernando 62'); Alfonso. 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 20 Assunçao. Took short Denilson pass and shot into top corner of net.
0-2. 25. Alfonso (penalty). After Romero pushed Joaquín inside penalty area.
1-2. 32. Makaay. Took pass from Sergio to round Prats and score off post.
1-3. 42. Arzu. Header from close up following corner from Assunçao.
1-4. 52. Joaquín. Turned long cross from Alfonso past keeper on far post.
2-4. 75. Diego Tristán (penalty). After Tristán himself bundled over by Juanito.

Betis top the table at the end of the first day after a spectacular win at Deportivo La Coruña. Inspired by a fantastic Marcos Assunçao who hit the woodwork no less than three times from free kicks, new manager Víctor Fernández saw his side go two up against the Spanish Super Cup champions. Assunçao hit the first himself with a spectacular shot from outside of the area, and Alfonso got the second from the penalty spot after Romero barged into a Joaquín in full flight.

Makaay pulled one back with a shot in off the post, but Arzu restored the two goal lead before the interval heading home Assunçao's corner. And then Joaquín turned in Alfonso's cross after the break to make it four, leaving the Depor fans stunned.

With Djalminha on his way to play for Austria Vienna, Irureta turned in desperation to Diego Tristán, who was just returning from injury, and then to new signing Albert Luque. Tristán it was who forced a penalty when brought down by Juanito, and the international striker converted the spot kick himself. It was little consolation though, and Assunçao could have got a fifth later in the game to complete the rout when he struck another free kick against the post.

It was a first ever first division win for Betis at the Riazor after eight defeats and four draws, and sets up a fascinating next match in two weeks' time when Real Madrid visit Betis. Depor go away to lick their wounds, something they are not used to in recent times: it is over ten years since they lost the opening game of the season. Betis fans are licking their lips.