There were six red cards on the opening weekend of the season, including one for Atlético coach Abel and another for Sevilla's assistant manager Lozano. Xerez got off to a bad start in their first ever match in the first division, new signing Gioda picking up two bookings before the break, and Carlos Calvo doing likewise near the end to leave his side with nine men. Another Liga debutant, Valladolid's Nivaldo, also saw red early on in the match at Almería, and Sevilla's Kanouté was sent off for a second bookable offence close to half time in the game at Valencia. (03.09.09)