MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Real Madrid got their title defense off to a winning start when a deflected shot by new signing Wesley Sneijder earned them a 2-1 comeback victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Raul scored a crucial equalizer for the Spanish champions in the first half.
The Dutchman's miscued shot spun off an Atletico defender and ended up in the back of the net after Guti had rolled a free kick into his path 12 minutes from time.
Atletico had got off to a flying start when Argentine youngster Sergio Aguero put them in front with less than a minute on the clock, stealing in at the far post to head in after a corner.
Real captain Raul equalized just under a quarter of an hour later when he nodded past keeper Leo Franco after a fine cross from right back Sergio Ramos.
There was no let-up in the pace in a breathless opening half hour, Robinho going close for Real after a lightning break and Maxi Rodriguez clipping the ball wide after a well-worked Atletico attack.
But it was Real who carried more threat up front, Ramos heading against the post on the half hour and Sneijder firing wide from long range.
Real midfielder Mahamadou Diarra missed the best chance of the first half when he sliced wide with the goal at his mercy.
Atletico made a bright start to the second period but faded as Real grew in confidence, Guti firing a free kick against the bar and Ruud van Nistelrooy having a close-range shot blocked by Franco.
Sevilla were hosting Getafe in a repeat of last season's King's Cup final while promoted Real Murcia entertained Real Zaragoza in Saturday's late matches. E-mail to a friend 
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