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Fellaini and Everton stun Manchester United

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Marouane Fellaini of Everton gesture

Everton stunned Manchester United 1-0 thanks to a bullet header in the second half by Marouane Fellaini when both teams got their Premier League campaigns underway on Monday.

The Belgian international, who hit the post in the first half with a close range shot and tormented United's defence throughout with his height, nodded in from a corner on 57 minutes.

Famed Manchester United strikers fail

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Wayne Rooney (left) and Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United look dejected

The visitors then introduced new signing and league player of the season Robin van Persie, bought from rivals Arsenal last week, for his debut but to no avail.

Messi, Villa fire Barca to 5-1 victory

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (left) duels for the ball with Ion Ansotegi Gorostola of Real   Sociedad

Lionel Messi's double and a David Villa goal on his return form injury helped Barcelona hammer visitors Real Sociedad 5-1 to give new coach Tito Vilanova the perfect start to their La Liga campaign on Sunday.

'It's always important to start with a win'

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (second right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring   their second goal

"It's always important to start with a win," Vilanova, who has stepped up from assistant to replace Pep Guardiola, said.

"It has been a perfect night because David (Villa) has returned with a goal. I am very pleased but this is only the beginning."

Valencia hold Real Madrid

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates

Earlier, Real Madrid were held 1-1 at home by a feisty Valencia side. Gonzalo Higuain gave Real a 10th-minute lead from Angel Di Maria's cross and, in stifling temperatures, they comfortably held Valencia at bay until just before the break.

'I expected more from my team'

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Mesut Ozil of Real Madrid runs with the ball

"I expected more from my team," Mourinho said. "We haven't played a great game, but we did enough to win."

Up on the north coast, Real Betis overcame Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in an eight-goal thriller.

In the late game, Europa League winners Atletico Madrid came back to draw 1-1 at Levante with a spectacular long-range shot from Turkey midfilder Arda Turan in the 22nd minute.

Manchester City survive scare

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Samir Nasri of Manchester City celebrates

Samir Nasri struck an 80th minute winner as Manchester City came from behind to begin the defence of their Premier League title with a patchy 3-2 win over promoted Southampton on Sunday.

Chelsea take it easy

Last updated on: August 21, 2012 17:33 IST
Eden Hazard of Chelsea is fouled by Ivan Ramis of Wigan Athletic

New Chelsea winger Eden Hazard earlier lived up to all the hype inside the first seven minutes of his league debut by setting up both goals in a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic.

Source: REUTERS
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