Valencia end Real Madrid's winning streak, Barcelona lose
The first weekend of matches in Spain's La Liga produced two major shocks as both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona crashed to defeat away from home.
Valencia brought Real Madrid's run of 22 consecutive wins to an end in the Mestalla Stadium Sunday afternoon when they fought back from a goal down to win 2-1, reports Xinhua.
A tense game looked to swing Real Madrid's way after 15 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet another goal from the penalty spot to put his side ahead.
The goal put Valencia on the backfoot and Real Madrid could have added to the score before the break, but failed to make the most of their chances.
They were made to pay seven minutes after the break when Pepe deflected Claudio Baragan's shot past Iker Casillas after a flowing move from the home side.
Nicolas Otamendi headed Valencia's second goal with 25 minutes remaining and although Real Madrid pressed hard for the winning goal they were unable to break down a well organised and talented Valencia who deserved all three points.
Real Madrid's defeat gave FC Barcelona the chance to come to within just one point at the top of the table if they could win away to Real Sociedad, but the Catalans failed to make the most of their opportunity as they crashed to a 0-1 defeat to a team improving under David Moyes.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique left both Lionel Messi and Neymar, who had returned later from their holidays, on the subs' bench and found his side behind after less than 90 seconds after Jordi Alba headed a cross into his own goal.
Barcelona struggled in both midfield and defence against a hard working side and it was no surprise that Messi was brought on at the start of the second half and Neymar soon after.
Although they still lacked cohesion, Barcelona did push their rivals back and could have equalised but for a fine one-on-one save from home goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Valencia brought Real Madrid's run of 22 consecutive wins to an end in the Mestalla Stadium Sunday afternoon when they fought back from a goal down to win 2-1, reports Xinhua.
A tense game looked to swing Real Madrid's way after 15 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet another goal from the penalty spot to put his side ahead.
The goal put Valencia on the backfoot and Real Madrid could have added to the score before the break, but failed to make the most of their chances.
They were made to pay seven minutes after the break when Pepe deflected Claudio Baragan's shot past Iker Casillas after a flowing move from the home side.
Nicolas Otamendi headed Valencia's second goal with 25 minutes remaining and although Real Madrid pressed hard for the winning goal they were unable to break down a well organised and talented Valencia who deserved all three points.
Real Madrid's defeat gave FC Barcelona the chance to come to within just one point at the top of the table if they could win away to Real Sociedad, but the Catalans failed to make the most of their opportunity as they crashed to a 0-1 defeat to a team improving under David Moyes.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique left both Lionel Messi and Neymar, who had returned later from their holidays, on the subs' bench and found his side behind after less than 90 seconds after Jordi Alba headed a cross into his own goal.
Barcelona struggled in both midfield and defence against a hard working side and it was no surprise that Messi was brought on at the start of the second half and Neymar soon after.
Although they still lacked cohesion, Barcelona did push their rivals back and could have equalised but for a fine one-on-one save from home goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
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