Real get off to winning start against neighbours Atletico

Real Madrid got their title defence off to a winning start when a deflected shot by new signing Wesley Sneijder earned them a 2-1 comeback victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu yesterday.

The Dutchman's miscued shot spun off an Atletico defender and ended up in the back of the net after Guti had rolled a free-kick into his path 12 minutes from time.

Atletico had got off to a flying start when Argentine youngster Sergio Aguero put them in front with less than a minute on the clock, stealing in at the far post to head in after a corner.

Real captain Raul equalised just under a quarter of an hour later when he nodded past keeper Leo Franco after a fine cross from right back Sergio Ramos.

The game was played at a breathless pace throughout with both sides playing open, attacking football, but it was Real who looked more dangerous and Bernd Schuster's side had Atletico on the ropes before Sneijder earned them the win.