Sevilla 1 - Racing Santander 0

Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Sergio Ramos, Aitor Ocio, David; Jesús Navas (Maresca 61'), Renato, Martí, Antonio López; Kanouté, Kepa (Saviola 57'). 4-2-3-1.
Racing: Dudu Aouate; Regragui, Moratón, Neru, Pinillos; Casquero, Felipe Melo, Vitolo (Juanjo 76'); Stephane Dalmat (Jonathan Valle 66'), Aganzo, Marqués (Raúl Martín 62'). 4-3-3.

Goals:
1-0. 29. Kepa. Got ahead of defence to head Antonio López cross past Aouate.

Sevilla started off their centenary season with a win, their 1-0 victory over a much changed Racing Santander a good beginning for new coach Juande Ramos. With all the big name signings though it was a home grown boy who got the only goal, youth international Kepa getting ahead of the defence to head home Antonio López's cross on the half hour mark.

Ramos had surprised everyone with the starting line up, giving the youngster a place alongside Freddy Kanouté and leaving Saviola on the bench, but it paid off and the front two almost extended the lead either side of half time, Kanouté bringing a good save out of Aouate and Kepa seeing an effort go just wide of the post.

As well as the intense heat, the poor state of the pitch was causing severe problems for both sides, with large divots appearing all over the playing area. Racing did their best to master the conditions, with Aganzo claiming a penalty after he fell under a challenge from Sergio Ramos (probably playing his last game in a Sevilla shirt), and Palop standing up well to the striker in the second half. But the three points stayed at home, and the gap could have been bigger had substitute Saviola not shot just wide in the closing minutes after Maresca set him up.