Real tackle jinx and rejection in league opener

By Mark Elkington

MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish champions Real Madrid must break a 16-game jinx if they are to start the defence of their Primera Liga title away to Deportivo Coruna with a victory on Sunday.

Real have lost on their last five visits to the Riazor and have failed to come away with all three points since winning 3-0 there back in November 1991.

Their thrilling comeback to beat Valencia with nine-men, 6-5 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup last weekend, and a 5-3 trouncing of Sporting Lisbon in a friendly on Wednesday has them brimming with confidence.

But the imminent departure of Brazil forward Robinho to Chelsea, and failed last-minute bids for Santi Cazorla and David Villa as possible replacements have cast something of a shadow over their preparations.

Real's new Dutch recruit Rafael van der Vaart will have to wait to make his league debut after receiving a straight red card in the Super Cup on Sunday, but Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is back in contention after three months out with an ankle injury.

Runners-up Villarreal kick-off their campaign in Pamplona against Osasuna on Sunday but have selection problems up front.

Last season's top scorers Nihat Kahveci (18 goals) and Giuseppe Rossi (11) are both out injured, and French midfielder Robert Pires is sidelined with a muscle complaint.

GUARDIOLA DEBUT