Barcelona got the jump on Real Madrid in the opening round of La Liga after Real were held to a 0-0 draw away at Mallorca.
Real have finished runner up to Barcelona in the league in the last two campaigns and got off to a bad start in their season opener at the Iberostar Stadium, slipping two points behind their rivals who won 3-0 against Racing Santander.
Madrid had plenty of possession, with Cristiano Ronaldo looking particularly dangerous.
But try as they might, they couldn't find a way past Mallorca keeper Ruben.
Mallorca's well-organised defence was keeping Madrid at bay, but the introduction of new signing Mesut Ozil and French striker Karim Benzema looked like it might prove to be the difference.
Ronaldo, Ozil and Benzema all had gilt-edged chances late in the second half but ultimately it wasn't to be as Madrid had to settle for a share of the points.
Earlier, Barcelona had thrown down the gauntlet with an impressive display in a 3-0 win over Racing Santander.
Argentine midfielder Lionel Messi scored the opener after just four minutes, before Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta score a superb goal in the 33rd minute as Barca took complete control of the match.
The home side should have pulled one back after being awarded a penalty late in the first half, but striker Mohamed Tchite couldn't beat Barcelona keeper Victor Valdez.
New signing David Villa added a third for Barca in the 62nd minute to finish off a perfect start to the Catalan's campaign for a third straight La Liga title.
Earlier, a brace from Pablo Daniel Osvaldo helped Espanyol to a 3-1 win at home against Getafe.
Osvaldo struck on either side of half-time to put his team 2-0 up, but an own goal from Ernesto Galan Inigo kept the visitors in with a chance.
But Jesus Datolo struck in injury time to ensure Espanyol took all three points.
Newly promoted Real Sociedad began life back in the top flight with a 1-0 win over Villareal.
A goal from Xabi Prieto in the second half sealed Sociedad's first win in the Primera Division since being relegated three seasons ago.
Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza had to settle for a share of the spoils after they fought out a scoreless draw, while Osasuna and Almeria also drew 0-0.