Roberto Soldado netted four times, including once in his own net, as Valencia’s title challenge got off to a thrilling start with a 4-3 comeback win against Racing Santander at the Mestalla.
Unai Emery’s side, who finished a distant third behind Barcelona and Real Madrid last season, were ahead in the first minute when Soldado slotted home the rebound following a Pablo Hernandez strike.
Racing were level six minutes later when the Valencia captain nodded the ball into his own goal from a corner and Lautaro Acosta then finished off a fine breakaway to make it 2-1 to the visitors in the 14th minute.
Adrian gave Racing a two-goal cushion 11 minutes after the break before Valencia’s French defender Adil Rami pulled a goal back a minute later.
Soldado made amends for his earlier blunder by scoring twice in two minutes, including a last-gasp winner, to snatch a rousing victory.