Numancia 1 - Barcelona 0

Numancia: Juan Pablo; Juanra, Boris, Palacios, Domingo Cisma; Barkero (Del Pino 74'), Nagore; Mario Martínez (Felipe Gurendez 84'), Juan Carlos Moreno, Bellvis; Gorka Brit (Alvaro Antón 59'). 4-2-3-1.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Daniel Alves, Puyol, Márquez, Abidal; Xavi, Touré Yayá (Hleb 56'), Iniesta (Keita 66'); Messi, Etoo, Henry (Bojan 61'). 4-3-3.

Goals:
1-0. 12. Mario. Picked up long Bellvis cross and fired shot back past Valdés.

A big surprise on the first weekend, Barcelona losing 1-0 to newly promoted Numancia, the first time they have lost on day one for 14 years. The Blaugrana had never won in Soria though in their three previous outings, and with twelve minutes on the clock they went behind when a long cross from Bellvis reached Mario, who drove a low shot back past Valdés.

After that it was one way traffic, but Barça couldn't find the way past a "Numantine" defence. Juan Pablo saved well from Henry and a long effort from Eto'o brushed the bar, and a good run from Xavi ended in nothing. New coach Pep Guardiola turned to Bojan, but Eto'o and Bojan both had shots saved by the keeper and then both headed good chances wide.

Time was running out though, and in the last minute a Messi free kick came back off the post. And that was it, an all Spanish squad with a total wage bill well below the earnings of any one of Barcelona's stars had taught their opponents a lesson in humility. Not quite the start Barça expected after a good pre-season, and they now have 15 days to lick their wounds. Next up for Numancia, Real Madrid. May the show go on!