David Beckham was on target as Real Madrid beat Numancia.
England captain David Beckham was on target from a free-kick as Real Madrid made hard work of beating Numancia 1-0 at El Santiago Bernabeu.Despite controlling possession and creating the beater of the chances during the contest on Saturday, Real failed to bury the minnows.
The goal arrived early and came in trademark style with Beckham curling a delightful free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the visitors' net.
Former France international Zinedine Zidane came close to doubling the home side's advantage but saw his near post header crash off the crossbar and rebound to safety.
With Raul still looking out of sorts coach Jose Antonio Camacho brought on Michael Owen for the captain, however the former Red missed a glorious opportunity to open his real account.
Beckham played in the striker, however with just Alvaro Nunez to beat Owen took the chance early and rolled his shot wide of the target.
Despite failing to build on their early goal Numancia never pulled the goal back they required and Real secured the vital three points.
Barcelona continued their excellent start to the season following a 2-0 win over Sevilla at Camp Nou.
Goals from new boys Ludovic Giuly and Henrik Larsson, the latter his first goal for the club, were enough to bag the points.
Frank Rijkaard's men broke the deadlock after 35 minutes with Xavi's through ball was coolly converted by former Monaco star Giuly.
It was not until late in the second half when Larsson stabbed home from close range, after beating his marker, were the points secure for Barca.
Samuel Eto'o almost made it three late on, but after rounding the keeper saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line.
La Liga champions Valencia fought back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw against Athletico Bilbao.
Che's unbeaten start was under threat with the side staring defeat in the face after 20 minutes.
Goals from Ismael Urzaiz and Andoni Iraola, the later from the penalty spot, saw Athletic take a 2-0 advantage early on.
Claudio Ranieri fired up his charges after the break and summer import Marco Di Vaio pulled a goal back after 65 minutes.
Migel Angel Angulo, who nearly joined Arsenal before the transfer day deadline, earned Che a share of the spoils with a late goal.
Click below for La Liga summaries:
Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Valencia
Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla
Real Madrid 1-0 Numancia
