Real Zaragoza 1-0 Tenerife

Real Zaragoza began life back in the Spanish top flight with a narrow win at home to fellow promoted side Tenerife.

Javier Arizmendi struck the only goal in a lively encounter 17 minutes from time to secure three precious and rather fortuitous points for Marcelino Garcia Toral's side.

Jermaine Pennant made his competitive debut for Zaragoza on the right of midfield and the home side sought to impose themselves early on.

But Tenerife, who finished third in the second tier last term, one place below Zaragoza, began brightly and Alejandro Alfaro almost gave the visitors the lead after just five minutes.

Alfaro was a key figure in the team's promotion last season, but left to join Sevilla earlier this summer.

However, the player was left without a place in the Sevilla squad after the Andalusians signed Alvaro Negredo from Real Madrid.

Tenerife move quickly to get the forward back for the start of the season and he shot wide after Nino had flicked on Marc Bertran's cross.

But Zaragoza began to look dangerous soon afterwards and Abel Aguilar shot over the bar after 12 minutes.

And a minute later Tenerife goalkeeper Sergio Aragoneses made a fine improvised save to keep out Gabi's deflected shot which was headed for the top corner.

Four minutes later, Aragoneses once again kept his side on level terms when he got down well to parry Jorge Lopez's sharp volley.

At the other end, Tenerife defender Ezequiel Luna saw his header deflected wide after 21 minutes.

A goal seemed imminent now and as the half wore on Tenerife looked the more likely to go in front.

Richi, Nino and Alfaro all missed excellent chances in the last 10 minutes of the half as Zaragoza were left to hang on until the half-time whistle.

The second half began slowly and the first chance arrived after 62 minutes, when Aragoneses saved well from Leonardo Ponzio.

After that Tenerife threatened once more.

Richi saw his effort cleared off the line and Alfaro headed over from close-range with 20 minutes left.

But Tenerife were left to rue those missed chances as Zaragoza took the lead with 73 minutes on the clock.

The away side failed to clear the ball in the area and Arizmendi pounced to power an effort home and put the hosts in front.

That goal completely took the wind out of the visitors' sailors.

They did not threaten again to leave Zaragoza to celebrate a winning return to the Primera Division.