The first shock of the new season as Barcelona went down 0-2 to newly promoted Hércules, Paraguayan Neson Valdez grabbing a goal in each half. A spirited performance by Hércules who probably should have won by a greater margin.
Meanwhile, arch rivals Real Madrid managed a 1-0 victory over Osasuna with José Mourinho in charge of his first game at the Bernabeu stadium. Carvalho scored the winning, and only goal, in the 57th minute.
Atletico Madrid came away from Athletic Bilbao with the three points, beating the Basque side 1-2 with goals from Forlán and Tiago. Llorente scored a late consolation goal for the home side.
Valencia overcame Eacing Santander 1-0, Maduro the scorer, and pending Sunday’s games are joint leaders with Atletico Madrid.