Real Madrid’s Pepe and Iker Casillas lie on the pitch after colliding with each other mid-air.

Amongst the start of the 2012-13 EPL campaign, this weekend also boasts a new season for Spain’s La Liga. The new season is also hosting some new clubs that were brought up to the first division after succeeding in the Adelante; Deportivo La Coruña, Valladolid and Celta Vigo.

But today Real Madrid faced Valencia at home with the reigning champions expecting to pull a W over their opponent. Unfortunately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw with Gonzalo Higuain scoring one goal and Valencia’s Jonas equalizing.

For the Madridistas, the draw came with some head-to-head contact. After Higuain’s goal in the 10′ Sergio Ramos’ face pummeled into the boot of Valencia’s keeper. The Sevillian defender received 3 stitches to the forehead during the halftime and continued playing with a bloody bandage.

Iker Casillas kept Madrid tied with Valencia after making two HUGE saves that kept the men in white from checking the ‘loss’ tally on their record sheet. Di Maria and Coentrão looked fierce on the pitch, helping their club get those necessary shots on goal, however all shots were blocked by Diego Alves.

Valencia brought the tally up to an even score when Jonas headed the ball into the center of the box after a beautiful cross from Tino Costa following a promising set piece.

Right before half-time, both Madrid’s Iker Casillas, defender Pepe and midfielder Xabi Alonso, collided in the air with all of them sustaining head injuries. A dazed and confused Casillas looked on while Pepe was bandaged up and subbed off just before the half. Post-match it was reported that Pepe was driven to a nearby hospital to undergo tests for a possible concussion. No word on Xabi’s injury.

For Valencia, the two big players were Roberto Soldado and Tino Costa who provided many opportunities for the club, proving why their a top contender in this year’s race for the title. Gonzalo Higuain is hoping for another year of greatness, being the first Argentine to score the first league goal for Real Madrid since 1986 and totaling his official goals for Madrid at 104, equalizing Brazil’s Ronaldo’s record.

Valencia will move on to face Deportivo La Coruña next Sunday while Real Madrid face Barcelona at Camp Nou in leg 1 of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.

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Weekend Results

Athletic Bilbao 3-5 Real Betis

Barcelona 4-1 Real Sociedad (at half currently)

Levante ?-? Atletico Madrid (Not yet kicked off)

Celta Vigo 0-1 Malaga

Sevilla 2-1 Getafe

Mallorca 2-1 Espanyol

Photo courtesy of Real Madrid CF