Real Valladolid welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla in their first match of the season on Saturday.
Markel Susaeta sent the away side into the lead moments before the 30-minute mark, but Patrick Ebert levelled three minutes later for Valladolid.
Bilbao regained the lead early in the second half, however, when Iker Muniain converted from close range.
Both sides had half-chances in the latter stages, but Valladolid could not make the breakthrough as Bilbao claimed all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! It seems like just yesterday that Barcelona were lifting the La Liga crown, but the Spanish season is now well and truly underway. Both of these sides finished in the bottom half of the table last season, but Bilbao will be expected to push into the higher regions despite losing the services of Fernando Llorente this summer.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for the home side with Valladolid winning just once in the last five matches. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-2 draw, but Bilbao were 2-0 winners when they hosted Valladolid in September 2012. However, a new campaign is now upon us.
It is difficult to be critical of Valladolid’s performance last season after finishing in 14th position, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, not at any point during the campaign were they in any danger of dropping into the battle at the wrong end of the division. There have not been many major incomings this summer, but they have managed to keep the bulk of their squad together.
They have been able to keep hold of the services of Patrick Ebert, who had widely been expected to seek pastures new this summer. The 26-year-old, who has previously played for the German Under-21s, moved to the Spanish outfit from Hertha BSC last summer. A succession of niggling injuries meant that he made just 21 league appearances for Valladolid last season, but he managed to find the back of the net on six occasions.
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Marino; Rueda, Rukavina, Valiente, Pena; Ebert, Rubio, Oscar, Ramos; Sastre, Guerra
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, Balenziaga, Ekiza, Gurpegi; Susaeta, Benat, Herrera; Muniain, Sola, Iturraspe
So there we have it. Strong starting XI for Valladolid this evening with Patrick Ebert selected on the right of midfield despite speculation surrounding his future. Bilbao, meanwhile, hand debuts to new signings Benat and Kike Sola, with the latter expected to lead the line with support from Iker Muniain and Iturraspe.
Bilbao are under new management this season with former Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde taking charge at the Basque outfit. As mentioned, they lost Llorente on a free transfer this summer, but they have managed to add in the transfer market with Benat and Sola arriving from Real Betis and Osasuna respectively.
Bilbao did show glimpses of their best form last season, but there was no consistency about their play. When they were good, they were really good, but when they were bad, they were the worst team in the league. There seems to be a better feeling around the club this summer, however, while they certainly have the squad to secure a European finish in the new campaign.
Whether or not they enjoy a successful season could be down to the performances of young duo Ander Herrera and Iker Muniain. The former is at the age (23) now where he needs to start dominating matches for his side. He has already made 150 league appearances in La Liga, but it would be fair to state that he has not yet realised his potential. For Muniain, it could also be a make-or-break season.
Right, we are just about two minutes from kickoff in Valladolid, but there has already been a La Liga result this afternoon. Real Sociedad, who finished fourth last season, opened their league campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe. A 3-0 win for either of these two sides would be enough to take them top - for now anyway!
Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Valladolid were solid at home last season, while Bilbao were not impressive on the road. However, I am backing the away side to just nick it. Valladolid get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium for the second match of the La Liga season. Both of these sides will have hopes of a top-half finish that is for certain. Good tempo to the opening stages with the home side enjoying possession of the ball in the middle of the park.
Slight problem for Guerra inside the opening four minutes as the Valladolid striker hits the deck following a high challenge with Ekiza. It does not look very pleasant for the Spaniard, who appears to have injured his shoulder. That has just silenced the atmosphere inside the stadium for the time being. Early change?!
At the moment Valladolid will continue with 10 players while Guerra is assessed. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. First effort of the match is from Sola, but his strike is wide of the target.
It's good work from Ebert this time as the Valladolid winger collects possession on the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Ekiza is across to make the challenge. Sola attempts to force the issue down the other end as he combines with Muniain, but the latter is adjudged to have felled Alvaro Rubio.
The good news for Valladolid is that Guerra has returned to the field, but the bad news is that he is not moving well at all. I shall keep an eye on developments there. Bilbao again attempt to force the issue as Susaeta collects a pass from Benat before driving a low cross into the box, but Diego Marino is on hand to collect at the vital moment.
First real opportunity of the match comes to the home side as Oscar burst beyond the Bilbao defence before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be all-important in this type of match. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock in Valladolid.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ebert strikes a bouncing ball from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Not too much from Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the Basque outfit struggling to find runners in the final third. However, plenty of early suggestions that we will see goals this evening.
Couple of corners in quick succession for the home side with Ebert twice delivering dangerous balls into the box, but Iraizoz comes to claim the first before Omar Ramos heads over the crossbar. The atmosphere has just dropped in the stadium in the last few minutes, which reflects events on the pitch with 16 minutes on the clock.
Valladolid are playing the better football, however, with Alvaro Rubio and Ebert seeing plenty of the ball. Sola remains a threat for Bilbao, but the likes of Benat and Herrera have struggled to influence proceedings thus far. No real opportunities, but the home side have just about shaded it in the final third.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest presents Bilbao with a free kick outside the Valladolid box, but Benat attempts to play it short, only for Rukavina to clear at the vital moment. In truth, it has not been a high-tempo opening 20 minutes in the second match of the La Liga season.
Better from Muniain in a wide position as the Spanish Under-21 international combines with Susaeta before driving into the box, but Rukavina is again across to calm proceedings. Oscar is the target down the other end moments later, but Iraizoz comes a long way to clear. Still goalless in Valladolid.
Guerra remains the most likely for the home side as the number nine darts past two defenders before rolling a pass towards Rubio, but Benat is across at the vital moment to clear the danger. It has been a bit like that thus far, some smart passing in the middle third of the pitch, but not too much of note in the final third where it really matters.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side to take the lead as Susaeta combines with Herrera before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it smashed into the side netting. That is just about as close as either side has come to opening the score this evening. Better tempo in the last couple of minutes.
Again Muniain is involved for Bilbao as the winger collects possession outside the box before moving past Sastre, but the Valladolid midfielder fells the Spaniard. The resulting free kick is delivered by Benat, but Marc Valiente, the deepest of the defenders, thumps clear under pressure from Sola.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-1 Bilbao (Susaeta)
Wonderful, wonderful goal from Bilbao. Bright pass from Herrera as the midfielder finds Benat, who in turn finds Susaeta. The Spaniard makes no mistake from close range as he thumps his effort into the bottom corner. Lovely team goal from the Basque side.
Half-chance for Benat as the midfielder strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it deflects off the wall before moving behind for a corner. The former Real Betis midfielder also delivers the subsequent set piece, but Marino comes to claim. Much better contest with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-1 Bilbao (Ebert)
Wow! Bilbao's lead does not last long as Oscar Gonzalez finds Ebert, who settles on the edge of the box before thumping an effort into the bottom corner. That's two goals of the very highest order. La Liga is well and truly back folks!
It took a while to warm up that is for certain, but this match has just exploded into life. Suddenly it is end-to-end football with both sides prepared to commit players in the final third. Guerra comes closest for the home side with a snap-shot from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post at the vital moment.
Another half-chance, this time for the away side, as Benat delivers a low cross towards Sola, who had moved across his marker, but the striker can only clip his effort wide of the post. Another Benat corner causes concern moments later, but Rueda clears for a throw. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining in Valladolid.
Wow, this really is getting tasty in the middle of the park with neither side shirking the challenges. The referee has done well to keep a lid on things thus far, but there is a danger that this could erupt. Susaeta continues to pass and probe outside the box for Bilbao, but there has been no way through since the goal.
Bilbao are forced into a change here as Ekiza departs the field for Laporte. No official confirmation on what injury has been suffered, but it looks to be his thigh. Not ideal for Bilbao, especially at this point of the match. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Again it is bright football from the away side as Benat collects a pass from Sola before finding Herrera, but the midfielder cannot find Muniain, who had made a late move into the box. No sign of either side settling in possession at the moment with the match being played at a frantic pace. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining in Valladolid.
Good pressure from Bilbao in the latter stages of the first period as their set-piece count continues to rise. Benat's delivery has improved in the latter stages of the half, but Valladolid have been aerially dominant thus far. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Valladolid 1-1 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the scores level at 1-1. It was Bilbao that opened the scoring with a well-worked Susaeta goal after 28 minutes, but Valladolid were level three minutes later courtesy of a fine strike from Ebert, who has been the star of the show in the opening 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Both sides have had three attempts in the opening 45 minutes, with each hitting the target on one occasion. There has not been a yellow card issued thus far, but in truth, the referee has been lenient in certain situations. A score draw at this stage of proceedings is a reflection of what we have seen thus far.
BENCH WATCH: Valladolid have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Bergdich, Barmettler and Garcia. I suspect that one could be introduced in the early stages of the half depending on how Guerra fares after suffering a knock early on. Bilbao, meanwhile, have the likes of Oscar de Marcos, Ibai Gomez and Toquero in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. There have been no changes for either side at the interval, although Bilbao have already been forced into a change with Laporte replacing Ekiza in the latter stages of the first half. Bilbao get the second 45 minutes underway in Valladolid.
Bright start to the second period from Bilbao as Benat collects possession outside the box before attempting to slide a pass towards Sola, but once more Rukavina is out to cleat the danger. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be all-important in this type of match. Half-chance for Susaeta once more, but he fires high and wide of the target.
Half-chance for Guerra as the Valladolid striker latches onto a loose pass from Iraola before driving into the penalty box, but Iturraspe just manages to clear at the vital moment. In truth, a point would not be the worst result for either of these two sides on the opening weekend, but both will feel that the three points are up for grabs this evening.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-2 Bilbao (Muniain)
Bilbao regain the lead in the early stages of the half as the youngster latches onto a loose ball inside the box before finishing from close range. He needs a big season - well, he has started it in the best possible fashion.
Again it's bright work from Iturraspe as the number nine bursts forward from the back before striking an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Valladolid are on the counter down the other end with Guerra, but Iraizoz reads the danger at the vital moment. No suggestions that we have seen the last of the goals this evening.
Possession football for the away side in the last couple of moments with the Basque outfit prepared to keep hold of the ball in order to quell the threat from Valladolid. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just wonderful this evening. No sign of the home supporters losing faith at this point.
Bilbao continue to look the most likely with Sola and Muniain's movement causing problems in the final third. It is almost as if Valladolid have had the stuffing knocked out of them following that early strike from Muniain. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Valladolid as the home side prepare their first change of the evening.
The change is indeed made with Rama entering the field in place of Omar, who has struggled to influence proceedings, especially in the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Valencia, as the fifth-place side from last season welcome Malaga. Be sure to remain with us for that one.
Much better from Valladolid in the last couple of moments with Rama twice coming close in quick succession, however, neither effort tests the opposing goalkeeper. Guerra remains the main threat for the home side with his pace and movement in the final third, but Ebert has just struggled to influence proceedings since the interval.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities in the last few moments, but Bilbao continue to dominate possession of the ball. If the away side score a third, then you have to fancy them to close it out, but a goal for Valladolid at this stage would make the final 25 minutes very interesting indeed.
Rama continues to impress following his arrival as he twice delivers dangerous crosses into the box, but the first is gathered by the Bilbao stopper before Rueda clips a header just wide of the post. I suspect that we could see another change from the home side in the next five minutes or so.
A loose pass from Pena hands a half-chance to Sola just inside the box, but the Bilbao striker cannot find a finish under pressure from two defenders. Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Little over 20 minutes of action remaining.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief what an opportunity for the home side. It's wonderful work from Pena as the left-back delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Gurpegi just manages to divert it behind for a corner. That could have gone anywhere! The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Ebert, but Iraizoz punches clear.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Sola collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but Marino is across to make the save. Meanwhile, it appears that Valladolid are preparing their second change of the match with Osario going through an extensive warm-up on the sidelines.
POST! Another half-chance for the away side as Herrera collects a loose ball in the box before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it thumps off the crossbar. That could have been game, set and match. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Valladolid do indeed make their second change of the match as Oscar is replaced by Osorio, who is certainly a lively figure. You just get the feeling that there will be at least one more big chance in the latter stages of this one. Just a final reminder that following this match we have action from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Malaga.
Again Guerra is the target for Ebert as the Valladolid forward collects a low pass in the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Ebert is involved moments later, but the German loses possession before being booked for a late challenge on Iraola.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, but Valladolid are just starting to up the tempo in the final third. I would be surprised if there was not at least one big opportunity left, but for which side? Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Valladolid.
This is the type of match that Bilbao would have lost last season I don't think there is any question about that. But there is something different about them this time around. They have lost Llorente, but they look more rounded as a team with Benat joining Herrera in the middle of the park. They could make a real push for the top six this time around.
Bilbao make their second change of the match as Oscar de Marcos enters the field in place of Susaeta, while Valladolid make their third change as Pena is replaced by Bergdich for the final five minutes of football. Not too much to report in terms of chances with Bilbao quelling the danger as we enter the latter stages.
Bilbao also make their third change of the match as Herrera is replaced by Erik Moran. That is more like it from Herrera, who has been very impressive this evening. Little under over minutes of normal time remaining in Valladolid. Are the home side heading for defeat in their first match of the season?
It's bright work from the substitute Bergdich as the Moroccan bursts down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but again Iraola is across to quell the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match.
Time is running out for Valladolid as we enter the second of three additional minutes. The response that we expected just has not arrived with Bilbao comfortable in dealing with the threat. Bar a late show, Bilbao will start their La Liga campaign with an important three points.
FULL-TIME: Valladolid 1-2 Bilbao
So there we have it. It wasn't pretty, but Bilbao begin their campaign with three points on the road against Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for Valencia against Malaga. Until then!
