Star-studded Barcelona held to goalless draw

COMING CLOSE: Henry hit the base of the post with a dipping shot five minutes from time to come closest

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New Delhi: Primera Liga champions Real Madrid made a winning start to the defence of their title against city rivals Atletico on Saturday, while rivals Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Racing Santander in their opening match of the season on Sunday.

With less than a minute on the clock, Madrid marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy flicked on Mariano Pernia's corner and striker Sergio 'Kun' Aguero converted the simplest of chances at the Bernabeu.

But Los Merengues levelled the scores soon when Sergio Ramos' cross was headed to the goal by Raul.

Real sprung back into the lead when new signing Wesley Sneijder soon made it 2-1 with a low shot which took a slight deflection past Atletico keeper Leo Franco.

On the other hand, the Catalans, who spent over 65 million euros on new players including France striker Thierry Henry during the close season, were outplayed by their modest opponents who are one of the lowest spenders in the Primera Liga.

The closest Barca came to cashing in on their numerical advantage was when Henry hit the base of the post with a dipping shot five minutes from time.

Though Barca dominated ball possession for most of the game, Racing had little problem holding them, holding them to a goalless draw.