Real Madrid dominated the play at home to Valencia in their season opener, but were held to a draw after a chaotic set-piece.
Gonzalo Higuain was selected ahead of Karim Benzema and duly repaid Jose Mourinho’s faith by opening the scoring on 10. However, Los Che equalised through Brazilian Jonas, who met a free-kick to head into an empty goal.
In that set-play, Iker Casillas, Pepe and Xabi Alonso clashed in mid-flight, with Casillas and Pepe requiring several minutes of attention just before the break.
The second half was a more tepid affair and Valencia will feel aggrieved that Roberto Soldado’s one-on-one opportunity against Casillas was pulled back for an incorrect offside call.
Real struggled to break through their opponents and ultimately had to settle for a point at home to Los Che for the second consecutive season in a row.
Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia match report.
Meanwhile Athletic Bilbao played out a thrilling encounter with Real Betis at San Mames. Without Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente in their ranks, the home side were desolate in the first period, going down 3-0 to a Benat Etxeberria-inspired Betis.
However, after half-time, Marcelo Bielsa’s men managed to fight back to draw level, before Pepe Mel’s side scored two more themselves to finish with the three points and five goals to their name.