Real Valladolid Triumphs in La Liga Return with Narrow Victory Over Espanyol

MADRID, Spain (AP) — Real Valladolid celebrated its return to La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Espanyol on Monday. The match, held at Valladolid's home ground, saw 21-year-old winger Raúl Moro score the decisive goal midway through the first half. Moro's shot, which took a fortunate deflection, caught the Espanyol goalkeeper off guard, securing the win for the newly promoted side. Both teams had spent the previous season in Spain's second division, making this match a significant moment for Valladolid, whose majority owner is former Brazilian football star Ronaldo. The victory marked a promising start for the club, as they were one of only four teams in La Liga to win their opening match of the season. The match showcased Valladolid's determination to establish themselves in the top tier of Spanish football, while Espanyol will be looking to regroup after the disappointing loss. The result highlights the competitive nature of La Liga, where newly promoted teams often face tough challenges against established clubs. As the opening round of matches continues, all eyes will be on the final game of the day, featuring Villarreal against Atletico Madrid. This match will conclude the first round of fixtures, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in Spain's premier football league.