New boys boost old rivals

Debutants inspired both Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona to victories as the Primera División campaign began in Spain.

Owen assist
Ronaldo scored the only goal as Madrid beat RCD Mallorca 1-0 at Son Moix. The Brazilian chested in a cross from summer signing Michael Owen on 52 minutes to give José Antonio Camacho a winning start at the helm. The coach will have been heartened by the display of England striker Owen, who played well on his Madrid debut after replacing the injured Raúl González on 24 minutes.

Eto'o penalty
Two new signings were on the mark in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Real Racing Club Santander. Frank Rijkaard's men took the lead on 68 minutes through Frenchman Ludovic Giuly and six minutes later doubled their lead through a penalty from striker Samuel Eto'o.

Pandiani header
Barça's local rivals RCD Espanyol also got their season under way with a good result as they held UEFA Champions League qualifiers RC Deportivo La Coruña to a draw. Espanyol, who narrowly avoided relegation last term, led for much of the game after Raúl Tamudo had converted a penalty midway through the first half. But Iván de la Peña was sent off just before the hour and the numerical advantage eventually told when Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani's header restored parity with 12 minutes remaining.

Milosevic equaliser
That was one of four opening weekend games to finish 1-1. In Pamplona, last season's fifth-placed finishers Athletic Club Bilbao were pegged back by home side Club Atlético Osasuna after José Etxeberria's early goal was cancelled out by experienced Serbia and Montenegro striker Savo Milosevic.

Debut goal
In San Sebastian, Nihat Khaveci scored just after the interval to earn Real Sociedad de Fútbol a share of the spoils against Levante UD for whom Ian Harte scored on his league debut. Levante's fellow newcomers CD Numancia took a point against Real Betis Balompié.

Getafe goal
Primera División debutants Getafe CF scored their first goal in top-flight football against Real Zaragoza, but José Uribe's outfit could not contain the home side and eventually lost 3-1.

Atlético impress
Spanish international striker Fernando Torres, who scored 19 goals last season, opened his 2004/05 account in Club Atlético de Madrid's impressive 2-0 win against Málaga CF on Saturday. The 20-year-old completed a swift counterattack five minutes after half-time to double the advantage after Málaga goalkeeper Juan Calatayud had seen an Ariel Ibagaza effort hit the post, rebound off his back and roll into the empty net.