Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid
A scorching long range strike from Wesley Sneijder ten minutes from time handed Real Madrid a comeback win over Atletico in a fiercely contested Madrid derby.
The La Liga season got off to an incredible start, as Ruud van Nistelrooy - back in his own box - inadvertendly flicked on a Mariano Pernía corner, and found Sergio Agüero unmarked at the far post to nod the ball in from close range.
Real Madrid were stunned early, and one wondered if it could be a nightmare for Schuster. However, they responded in the 15th minute through skipper Raul.
The veteran - he is in many ways one already - has been criticized recently, but rose over Pablo at the far post to head in a cross from Sergio Ramos.
Blows were exchanged thereafter, but nothing quite happened on the score-sheet, with Pepe crashing into a lady photographer - and then waiting to ensure she was fine before getting back into the game - being the highlight of the game between then and the break.
The second half began with Guti picking up yet another booking, but the referee just about managed to keep a lid on things and the preserve the momentum.
As the half progressed, Real Madrid began looking more and more like the better and the hungrier side, forcing Aguire to bring on Jose Antonio Reyes for Simao in a bid to spark Atleti into life.
However, it was the home side who continued to push for a win as the game moved into the final 20 minutes, with the Bernabeu fully behind them. It still looked to be headed towards a draw, though, before Wesley Sneijder decided to make an indelible impression on the game with ten minutes to go.
Guti rolled the ball across the edge of the area and the debutant Dutchman let fly a long range effort that found its way past Leo Franco after taking a deflection off Maxi's heel.
Try as they did, Atletico could not engineer a comeback, though Forlan had a goal ruled out for offside in the 82nd minute.
The match did end on a rather interesting, and perhaps a slightly sour note for Raul, who picked up his first booking in 30 months in the very final minute, for impeding a Leo Franco free-kick.
Overall, Real Madrid have started the season with a strong display in what was a big opening day test. Schuster may have claimed before the game that this encounter means more to Atlético, but the German will be delighted to have picked up the three points.
The visitors also have a lot to be proud of, but their inability to convert chances cost them dearly, and they will have to start again next week.
Real Madrid 2: Raúl (15') - Wesley Sneijder (80')
Atletico Madrid 1: Sergio Agüero (1')
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