Madrid, Spain – Alberto Bueno scored a first-half brace on Monday as Rayo Vallecano opened its 2013-14 La Liga campaign with a 3-0 drubbing of Elche at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.
Vallecano, which finished eighth in the league last season on 53 points, grabbed the early advantage five minutes before the intermission when Bueno found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.
Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage when Alberto Perea opened his account and took the advantage into the locker room at the break.
In the second half, the La Liga newcomers upped the pressure looking to get back into the game, but managed just one shot on target as they struggled to break down Vallecano's defense.
Vallecano put the result to bed in the 74th minute when Bueno completed his brace as his club easily claimed its first three points of the new season.
Villarreal 3, Almeria 2
Almeria, Spain - Jonathan scored four minutes from time on Monday to lift Villarreal to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Almeria in the season-opener for both clubs at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.
The home side struck first 39 minutes into the contest as Rodri scored his first goal of the campaign, but Villarreal equalized in the 65th minute via an own goal by Sebastian Dubarbier.
Rodri gave the hosts the lead again with his second goal of the match in the 74th minute. But Villarreal battled back with goals from Giovani Dos Santos and Jonathan three minutes apart to steal three points.
Celta Vigo 2, Espanyol 2
Vigo, Spain - Celta Vigo and Espanyol opened their 2013-14 La Liga seasons by battling to a 2-2 stalemate on Monday at the Estadio Municipal de Balaidos.
Celta Vigo opened the scoring in the 42nd minute of play when Lopez Sanchez struck for his first goal of the season and the hosts took the one-goal lead into the intermission.
One minute into the second half Charles made it 2-0 for the home side, but Espanyol battled back with goals from Victor Sanchez and Thievy in the 53rd and 75th minutes to salvage a point.
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