Young midfielder Christantus Uche has scored in his La Liga debut to help Getafe earn a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.
The 21-year-old Nigerian, who was playing in the fifth division of Spanish soccer only two years ago, scored on Thursday – the opening day of the Spanish league – from a firm header in the 64th minute.
“I’m feeling so good,” said Uche. “To score a goal in my debut is amazing. I’m really happy.”
Uche was with fifth-division Moralo before joining third-division side Ceuta for a reported transfer fee of 800 euros ($A1300) last year.
Athletic, the defending Copa del Rey champions and one of the teams considered to have an outside chance of contending at the top this season, had gone ahead at their San Mames Stadium through Oihan Sancet in the 27th.
Girona, the surprise team last season who finished third, opened with a 1-1 draw at Real Betis.
Gabriel Misehouy netted a 72nd-minute equaliser for the visitors after Marc Bartra had put Betis ahead six minutes into the match at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
After having earned a spot in the Champions League for the first time in club history last season, Girona are expected to struggle to repeat their efforts this season with the departures of Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Garcia, Savinho, Eric Garcia and Yan Couto.
Betis are also coming off a good season, having finished in seventh place.
Defending champions Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé now one of the mainstays in their squad, open their campaign at Mallorca on Sunday.
Barcelona are at Valencia on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid visit Villarreal on Monday.
Source Agencies
