First Division - Day 1

Valencia 2 - Sevilla 0

Valencia: Moyà; Miguel, Dealbert, Alexis, Bruno (Mathieu 46'); Marchena (Albelda 59'), Banega; Pablo Hernández, Silva (Michel 83'), Mata; David Villa. 4-2-3-1.
Sevilla: Palop; Konko, Squillaci, Escudé, Fernando Navarro; Jesús Navas, Duscher, Romaric (Zokora 21'), Perotti (Negredo 54'); Luis Fabiano (Koné 68'), Kanouté. 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 47. Mata. Hooked shot wide of Palop after Banega ran ball across area.
2-0. 79. Pablo. Picked up Banega pass and struck angled shot past keeper.

Yellow cards: Navarro 06', Miguel 18', Kanouté 23', 45', Squillaci 83' / red cards: Kanouté 45'.

Probably the biggest game on Sunday was between Valencia and Sevilla, with the Ches running out 2-0 winners in the end. The pitch at the Mestalla stadium was in a terrible state, although the hosts adapted better than their opponents, and Palop had to make important saves from Pablo, Villa and Silva in the first half. The Andalusians were more up against it though when Kanouté was sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of half time.

Two minutes after the restart however the home side took the lead, Mata whipping the ball wide of the keeper after Ever Banega ran the ball along the edge of the area. And with ten minutes to go Banega completed a good performance with a run which ended with a pass out to Pablo Hernández, who guided a first time shot wide of Palop. First blood for Unai Emery, but it's still early days.