Some surprises on the opening day of the new season, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both losing. Barça's conquerors were newly promoted Numancia, who's entire wage bill is less than what Leo Messi earns at the Nou Camp! Their goalkeeper is Juan Pablo, who was signed from Tenerife this season after all their other keepers moved on, and he is one of five who managed to maintain clean sheets this weekend.

The two teams currently topping the table both brought in new men between the sticks, veteran French international Coupet making a good debut for Atlético Madrid, and Brazilian Olympic keeper Renan replacing Hildebrand, who was not even on the bench after a disastrous performance in the Spanish Super Cup.

Recreativo also gave a first game to new signing Riesgo, a late addition after another new signing Roberto picked up an injury, and they ran out 0-1 winners at Betis. Which leaves only one keeper in the leading group who was playing in the top flight last season, Espanyol's Kameni making some good saves in a 1-0 victory over Valladolid. (01.09.08)