BARCELONA, Aug 27 (SW) - Title defenders FC Barcelona started the new Spanish season with a scoreless draw at Deportivo Alavés, while Valencia achieved a home victory over Real Betis.

Alavés - Barcelona 0-0

Barcelona were by far the better side at Alavés, but were not able to score. The Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho had a few chances to break the deadlock with a free kick, but Alavés' goalkeeper stood in the right place and avoided damage.

Athletic de Bilbao - Real Sociedad 3-0

As no goals were scored at Alavés, the first goal of the season would have to come from one of the remaining matches on Saturday. The Basque derby between Athletic and Real Sociedad, had the hosts opening the score after 48 minutes, through Francisco Yeste.

Only four minutes after the season's first goal, Fernando Llorente added a second. Luis Prieto eventually set the final score to 3-0 in the 81st minute.

Valencia - Real Betis 1-0

Only one goal was scored at the match between Valencia and Real Betis. The spectators at Mestalla stadium saw how the Argentinian Pablo Aimar got the winning goal in the 53rd minute.