Real open title defence in derby with Atletico

MADRID, July 12 (Reuters) Champions Real Madrid will begin their title defence at home to city rivals Atletico on the opening day of the 2007-08 Primera Liga season, which starts the weekend of Aug.

25-6.

The match is of particular significance for Real coach Bernd Schuster, who faces a club he turned out for in his playing career in a tough start to his first league campaign in the Bernabeu hot seat.

Schuster was appointed on Monday to replace Fabio Capello who was sacked despite having led Real to their first league title in four years last season.

It will also mark the start of a new era for Atletico, who start without their leading scorer for the last five seasons, Fernando Torres, after the Spain striker left to join Liverpool.

The draw for next season also threw up two more intriguing opening day encounters.

Valencia will have a derby against Villarreal and there will be a repeat of last month's King's Cup final when Getafe have an early chance to avenge their 1-0 defeat, away to Sevilla.

Last season's runners-up Barcelona, with new signing Thierry Henry, visit Racing Santander.

The first 'clasico' between Real and Barca will be in the Nou Camp on Dec. 23, just before the mid-season break, with the match in the Bernabeu on May 7.

The Spanish Super Cup, the traditional curtain raiser to the season between the league champions and the King's Cup winners, will see Real take on Sevilla over two legs on Aug. 11 and 19.

The league season ends on May 18 in time for Euro 2008.

Reuters BJR GC1947