FC Barcelona began their defense of the BBVA Primera Liga title with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Racing Santander on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's side had few problems with a Racing side that struggled in defense and which found itself behind as early as the fourth minute when Leo Messi scored following a shot from David Villa.

Andres Iniesta doubled Barcelona's lead after 32 minutes, before Racing had their best chance of the game after referee Delgado Ferreira gave the home side a penalty for a supposed foul by Maxwell on Francis.

Barca keeper Victor Valdes saved Tchite's spot kick and Villa sealed the win with his first league goal for Barca just after the hour.

Real Madrid meanwhile could only draw 0-0 away to Mallorca. Jose Mourinho gave league debuts to Sergio Canales and Angel di Maria, but could only watch in frustration as his side missed several chances against a Mallorca that showed a willingness to battle hard in midfield.

Sunday also saw Real Sociedad celebrate their return to the Primera Liga after three years in the second division with a 1-0 win at home to fancied Villarreal.

Xabi Preito's goal after 57 minutes was enough to give the Anoeta faithful reason to celebrate.

Osasuna drew 0-0 at home to Almeria in a dull game, while Deportivo la Corua and Zaragoza also produced 90 minutes to forget with another scoreless encounter.

Espanyol meanwhile brushed past Getafe 3-1. Osvaldo scored twice before a Galan own goal gave Getafe a lifeline. Datolo secured the points for Espanyol with his side's third goal deep in injury time.

Saturday night saw Valencia win 3-1 in Malaga. Joaquin Sanchez scored twice to make sure his side didn't miss David Villa, who joined Barcelona over the summer.

Right back Abdoulay Konko scored twice as Sevilla forgot their Champions League exit with a comfortable 4-1 win over newly promoted Levante.

Ruben had put the home side ahead, but Konko's double strike plus goals from Alvaro Negredo and Renato gave Sevilla the points.

Finally, Athletic Club Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente had the honor of scoring the first goal of the new Spanish season. Llorente's header after 46 minutes gave his side a 1-0 triumph away to Hercules in Alicante.

Atletico Madrid and Sporting Gijon bring the first round of games to a close in the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Monday night.