A new season is upon us, with the usual round of goalkeeping changes in the summer transfer market. Even so there was only one totally new face in the 20 starting line ups, Getafe's flamboyant new signing Abbondanzieri (affectionately known as "Pato") moving from his native Argentina to the Spanish capital following his successful performances for his country in the World Cup.

Pato couldn't have got off to a better start either, contributing a clean sheet as his side moved to the top of the table for 48 hours or so before Palop's Sevilla thrashed Cavallero's Levante 4-0 on Tuesday. Consequently (at least at the time of writing) Levante are likely to strengthen their squad with Deportivo's ex keeper Molina, who was himself replaced at Coruña by ex Racing keeper Dudu Aouate.

Other than Pato and Palop, four other keepers kept clean sheets on the opening day. Curiously three of those were also from Argentina, including Atlético's Leo Franco, Villarreal's Viera (whose side drew 0-0 against Casillas's Real Madrid), and Bizzarri, who moved from Valladolid in the summer to newly promoted Nàstic, 0-1 winners on the opening day against neighbours Espanyol. Finally spare a thought for last season's Zamora prize winner, Pinto. He let in three this weekend against Barcelona, the first coming from reigning Pichichi Eto'o. (30.08.06)