(BBC) – Champions Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw at Real Sociedad in their opening game of the new La Liga season.
Zinedine Zidane’s side started their campaign a week later than other teams, having been in European action last month but looked short of their best.
They created very few clear-cut chances, Karim Benzema’s low strike pushed away by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Ex-Manchester City midfielder David Silva made his Sociedad debut but was unable to create a goal.
The hosts had the better of the chances but Alexander Isak’s low strike was kept out by Thibaut Courtois and Ander Barrenetxea side-footed a volley narrowly wide.
Real were without the injured Eden Hazard who was out with an ankle injury, while Welshman Gareth Bale left the club this week to re-join Tottenham on a season-long loan deal.
Brazilian youngsters Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo failed to make an impact on the game, while Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard – who impressed last season while on loan at Sociedad – was steady in the middle of the park.
Dani Carvajal’s long-range strike was straight at Sociedad keeper Remiro, who also kept out Toni Kroos’ curling strike to leave the visitors frustrated on their return to action.
Meanwhile, Real gave a second half debut to midfielder Marvin Park, who spent three years as a junior at Tranmere Rovers.