Football: Atletico draw as Betis, Valencia win

BARCELONA: Atletico Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Osasuna in both teams’ Spanish league opener. Atletico created more chances, hitting the post once in each half, but Osasuna held firm to split the points. Meanwhile, Real Betis started their season with an away win in Granada after a close encounter between the two promoted sides. Earlier, a dramatic late double strike saw Roberto Soldado complete a hat-trick as Valencia beat Racing Santander 4-3 having appeared to be heading for defeat. Soldado turned the game on its head with two quickfire clinical finishes after 88 and 90 minutes.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th,  2011.