Valencia began their defence of Spanish Primera Liga title with nervy 2-1 victory over Villarreal at the Mestalla.

Claudio Ranieri's side, who won the European Super Cup over Porto in Monaco on Friday, took the lead mid-way through the first half when Carlos Marchena beat everyone at the near post to head home for 1-0.

They doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Ruben Baraja (pictured) leaped highest to head home Vicente's free kick from the right for a two-goal lead at the break.

Villarreal, however, made things interesting in the final 13 minutes, as new signing Diego Forlan scored unmarked at the far post to make the final stages a tense affair.

In the end, Che would hold on for the three points to give themselves a positive start to new Primera Liga campaign.

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I hope he does well where he is... Anywhere but OT...