With both sides having disappointing campaigns last season, each finishing mid-table, this was an opportunity to get the new campaign off to a flyer.
It was the away side who looked most threatening, and the best opportunity of the half arrived on 12 minutes, as Brais Mendez picked up the ball on the edge of the box, but his drilled effort was brilliantly palmed away by Julen Agirrezabala.
The midfielder was amongst the action again minutes later when he was picked out inside the box this time, but his header was tipped behind for a corner.
Valencia struggled to make their mark on the contest, with no shots on target in the opening 45 minutes signalling their poor showing.
Carlos Corberan’s half-time team talk clearly made an impact on his players, as Valencia came flying out for the second half with renewed vigour.
That momentum change paid dividends on 57 minutes when Dani Raba’s clipped ball over the top was powered home by Diego Lopez with what was the home side’s first shot on target.
However, they were quickly pegged back three minutes later as Brais Mendez drove towards the hosts’ box before sliding the ball to Takefusa Kubo, who took a touch before unleashing a powerful drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Despite their lead lasting little over three minutes, Valencia were undeterred and remained firmly on top.
Los Che should have restored their advantage on 72 minutes, but Jose Copete blazed over the bar from just a few yards out after latching onto a ball across the face of goal.
In the end, neither side was able to find a second goal and had to settle for their first H2H draw in six games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Brais Mendez (Real Sociedad)