Barcelona and Real Madrid both suffered surprise defeats as they kicked off their league campaigns on Sunday. Barca went down 1-0 at newly promoted Numancia. They dominated for long periods, but were undone by a goal from Mario after 12 minutes. Madrid's 2-1 loss at Deportivo La Coruna was not so unexpected with the champions now without a league win at the Riazor since the 1992/93 season. Alberto Lopo bagged the winner for the Galicians early in the second half, shortly after Ruud van Nistelrooy had cancelled out Mista's first half strike.
There were no such worries for city rivals Atletico Madrid, who thrashed sorry Malaga 4-0. Getafe left it late but ultimately got Victor Munoz's reign off to a winning start with a 2-1 triumph at Sporting Gijon. Almeria also began life under a new coach - Gonzalo Arconada - with a win, 3-1 at Athletic Bilbao. Elsewhere, Marco Ruben scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute as Recreativo Huelva prevailed 1-0 at Real Betis. * PA Sport
