Real Madrid got its title defense off to a winning start when a
deflected shot by new signing Wesley Sneijder earned a 2-1 comeback
victory against city rivals Atletico at the Bernabeu on
Saturday.
The Dutchman's miscued shot spun off a defender and ended up in
the back of the net after Guti had rolled a free kick into his path
10 minutes from time.
The game between the Primera Liga's two biggest spenders was
played at a frenetic pace with the sides playing open, attacking
soccer. But Bernd Schuster's Real looked more dangerous in front of
goal and deserved the win.
"We made a huge effort for this first game and it was an
exciting match which the fans clearly enjoyed," coach Schuster
said.
"We got the win tonight but Atletico is a very dangerous side
and I think they will be battling away with the top teams this
season."
Sevilla, who beat Real 5-3 in the Super Cup last week, continued
its sparkling start to the season with a 4-1 comeback defeat of
Getafe thanks to second-half goals from Jesus Navas, Luis Fabiano,
Frederic Kanoute and Alexander Kerzhakov.
Michael Laudrup's Getafe went in front after two minutes but the
visitor fell apart after having Francisco Sousa and David Cortes
were sent off in the first half.
Real Murcia notched a 2-1 triumph against Real Zaragoza on its
return to the top flight, new signing Fernando Baiano grabbing the
winner for the hosts.
Flying start
Atletico made a flying start at the Bernabeu, Argentine
youngster Sergio Aguero putting the visitor ahead inside a minute
when he stole in at the far post to nod in a Mariano Pernia
corner.
Real responded well and Robinho was denied in the 14th minute
when Atletico keeper Leo Franco saved his fierce shot.
A minute later Raul equalized when he steered a neat header past
Franco after Sergio Ramos had floated in a cross from the
right.
There was no let-up in the pace in a breathless opening half
hour, Robinho going close for Real after a lightning break and Maxi
Rodriguez clipping the ball wide after a well-worked Atletico
attack.
But it was Real who carried more threat up front, Ramos heading
against the post on the half hour and Sneijder firing wide from
long range.
Real midfielder Mahamadou Diarra missed the best chance of the
first half when he sliced wide with the goal at his mercy.
(China Daily via Agencies August 27, 2007)