Real Madrid have headed into half time level with La Liga newcomers Sporting Gijon following a goalless first half in their opening fixture of the new league season.

Both sides had spells of possession early on, but it was the visitors who had the first chance to open the scoring when Luka Modric picked out Gareth Bale with a through-ball, only for the Wales international to fire his shot into the side-netting.

Rafael Benitez's side soon started to dominate, and had another opportunity to find the back of the net midway through the opening period as Isco created some space outside the box, blasting a long-range effort just wide.

Isco was involved once more before the half-hour mark, rifling the ball over from range again, while Luis Hernandez then produced an important interception before Danilo's cross connected with Bale.

After a quiet opening 30 minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward forced a save from Ivan Cuellar with a powerful drive, while Jese Rodriguez was also denied moments later by the Gijon stopper.

However, it was the home side who came closest to opening the scoring shortly before the interval when Miguel Angel Guerrero tried to head into the top corner, but he nodded the ball onto the crossbar.