Beckham gives Real the edge against Numancia

A stunning first-half free kick from David Beckham gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over newly promoted Numancia at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The England captain sent the ball sailing over the wall and then dipping sharply into the far corner from 23 metres out to score the only goal of the game and give Real a maximum six points from their first two Primera Liga matches.

Real had a string of opportunities to extend their lead, but were unable to press home their advantage against their modest opponents who gave them several scares late in the second half.

Earlier, champions Valencia relied on substitute Miguel Angel Angulo to spark a fightback that lifted them from two goals down at the break to claim a 2-2 draw at Athletic Bilbao.

Valencia appeared to have one eye on next week's Champions League opener against Anderlecht as they made a sluggish start and fell behind in the 15th minute when Bilbao striker Ismael Urzaiz finished off a slick counter-attack with a fine first-time shot.

Six minutes later defender Andoni Iraola stretched the Basque side's lead when he slotted home from the penalty spot, after David Navarro was judged to have pushed midfielder Fran Yeste in the back as he stepped into the area.

Valencia came to life in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 66th minute, Italy striker Marco Di Vaio rifling home after appearing to control a clever long pass from Angulo with his arm.

Angulo then drilled home 11 minutes later after a neat headed-assist from Argentine midfielder Pablo Aimar to earn his side a valuable away point.

Barcelona, who won their opening league game at Racing Santander, entertain Sevilla in Saturday's late match.