Nice preview, Merengue, though I would dispute the claim that Betis 'look good on paper'. They're a bit of a shambles, although Edu and Sobis are all right.

Quite excited, as am just about to nip out to the Nova Creu Alta for my debut as a CE Sabadell fan. SD Eivissa (UD Ibiza for Castellanos) the visitors. Report to follow ...

1 0 yol first game of la liga

Valencia's 3-0 victory over Mallorca seems to have been fairly easy ...

Meanwhile, Sabadell beat Eivissa 1-0, with a very well-taken goal after five minutes. The game was fairly average after that, though the visitors were a bit timid ... UEFA 5 star status must only be days away ... the posh seats ... and let celebrations commence! ...

Serie A viewers will be interested to note that former Milan legend Javi Moreno played up front for Eivissa in the second half, though he didn't do very much ...

Thanks for the compliment Lodz. Well Betis just signed Fabian Monzon, the Olympic winning left back from Boca and Argentina, plus Nelson the Benfica right back and Mehmet Aurelio, Turkey's Marcos Senna. I know Betis always fail to deliver on their promise but I think this season they can be midtable. Chaparro is a pretty good coach with his feet on the ground. Betis visably improved once he took over last season.

Impressive win for Valencia. Hildebrand's howlers in the Super Cup meant he didn't even get into the squad for this one. Renan is the new goalie at Valencia. And Joaquin was held out too as he may be on his way out before the transfer deadline. With Pablo Hernandez backed up by Miguel Angel Angulo I don't think Valencia needs Joaquin. Those two may be less spectacular but are more consistent than Joaquin.

Yes, fair enough, Merengue, maybe I was being slightly biased with my comments. Some of the players they have signed look fairly promising. I'd still wager that 'it'll all end in tears' though ...

A good start...

Great win for Atleti - 4-0 against Malaga. Could this be their year? Valencia also won well - 3-0 at home against Mallorca (who are one of my tips to go down this year). Barca lost. Ha ha!

Can't get a stream for the Madrid game so it's off to the pub for me.

I wonder when the last time Barca and Real lost on the opening day was? I presume it happens more regularly than it would to Man U and Chelsea.

that pepe is amazing when it comes to marking at corners isn't he?

Gerrin. Champions league next year for Depor.

The curse of the Riazor continues.

Interesting to see that Betis's Rafael Sobis is now off to Al-Jazirah in the UAE. Good luck to him and all that for leaving the verdiblancos - a decent player ...

Bit of a result that both the Barcelona - Racing and Sevilla - Sporting matches are on terrestrial this evening, so will shortly be getting the beers in, cranking up Zattoo on my creaky old laptop and settling down for some la Liga action ...

Not forgetting that tomorrow evening is the big Vallès Occidental derbi in Segunda B between Sabadell and Terrassa. Practise your singing.

What, Barça on as well? Great. Should serve as a nice aperitivo for the pummelling I hope the aldeanos get at 10.00 CET.

Tomorrow, they're also showing Villareal-Depor. I, however, have better things to do. No, all right, I admit it - I'm going to see R. Oviedo - Siero.

sorry ant, sure its been discussed but I have only just noticed that sporting gijon are back in the big time. ouch!


I always liked gijon, especially that bar on the sea front with the pool room that had the lowest ceiling in the world