Saturday saw Atlético de Madrid kick off the season with several new developments, both on and off the pitch. Off it, the biggest innovation was the introduction of a biometric security system at gates 44 and 46 of the Calderón, which lead to the newly rechristened Grada de Animación (a singing stand that was formerly known as the Youth Stand).

The 'Rojiblancos' fans heading into this section of the stadium, all of whom had previously registered their details, had to have their fingerprints taken in order to identify them. Like all fledgling systems, there were some teething troubles that caused a bit of a hold-up and unrest, but everyone was able to settle down in their seats before referee Eduardo Prieto Iglesias got the action underway in the game against Las Palmas.

Atlético are the first club in La Liga to have rolled out this type of security, but every other club will eventually have to follow suit, as the Spanish football league (LFP) has identified it as a key measure in the bid to stamp out football violence.