New Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez endured a disappointing start his tenure after his side were held to a 0-0 draw at newly promoted Sporting Gijon in their opening La Liga fixture.

The Spanish giants, who were without Karim Benzema due to a thigh injury, produced a somewhat disjointed performance.

Hosts Sporting defended impressively and frustrated their opponents, who for all of their possession and shots on goal rarely looked like scoring.

Gareth Bale, playing in a new central role and running onto Luka Modric's outstanding through-ball, perhaps came closest to scoring for Real 12 minutes in, when he rounded Sporting goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar but, from a tight angle, could only shoot against the side netting.

The result puts immediate pressure on Benitez who has faced questions over his tactical approach.

Cristiano Ronaldo is put under pressure. AP Photo/Jose Vicente

Barcelona began their title defence with a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao -- despite Lionel Messi missing a first-half penalty.

The fixture was the third in succession between the two teams after Athletic had embarrassed Barca 5-1 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup.

However, unlike nine days ago, when the hosts won 4-0 at San Mames, reigning Spanish and European champions Barca were far less erratic and, crucially, through Luis Suarez, scored the game's only goal.

That came after goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz had reacted well in diving low to his right to push Lionel Messi's softly-struck penalty wide. Suarez had won the penalty after being felled by Athletic's Gorka Elustondo.

Barca coach Luis Enrique pronounced himself pleased despite losing Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets to injuries, who both face further tests on Monday.

Roberto Soldado was denied a dream debut for Villarreal as Ruben Castro struck late to earn Real Betis a 1-1 draw with the Yellow Submarine, who had Bruno Soriano sent off in stoppage time.

Soldado managed just seven Premier League goals in two seasons at White Hart Lane but needed just 32 minutes to open his account for his new club, thus giving Marcelino's side the lead at the Benito Villamarin.

But Betis were not to be denied on their return to the top flight after a year's absence, and their talisman Castro rescued a point by heading home on the rebound in the 87th minute.

Former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas enjoyed a dream return to boyhood club Celta Vigo by snatching the winner as his side downed 10-man Levante 2-1.

Lucas Alcaraz's side had Simao Mate sent off after just four minutes and then went behind five minutes before the break due to Fabian Orellana's low driven effort.

New Levante signing Verza levelled from a free-kick nine minutes into the second period, but Aspas tapped home from a couple of yards out to restore the Galicians' lead on 76 minutes.