La Liga: Barcelona Off To a Winning Start; Madrid Held By Valencia

Tito Vilanova’s era at Camp Nou began with style as the Catalans' kick-off their La Liga 2012-13 season with a comprehensive 5-1 thrashing against Real Sociedad on August 20, 2012 while reigning champions Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Valencia side at Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona’s talisman Lionel Messi scored a brace while Carles Puyol, Pedro and come-back striker David Villa also found the net. Tito Vilanova was not the only debutant for Barca, Jordi Alba, the €14 million signing from Valencia, was handed a start at left-back. At Bernabeu, Mourinho's Madrid went ahead in the 10th minute with a Gonzalo Higuaín strike but Jonas leveled things for Valencia in the 42nd minute with a well-placed header. Los Blancos were unable to regain their advantage in the second half and had to settle for a point in front of a frustrated home crowd.

Barcelona next match is against Osasuna at Reyno de Navarra while Madrid will take on Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez, both on August 26, 2012.