World number one Rafael Nadal beat Philipp Kohlschreiber to level Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final against Germany in his first match since January.
Nadal won 6-2 6-2 6-3 to set a new Davis Cup record for combined singles and doubles victories with 23 in a row.
The 16-time Grand Slam winner, 31, had been out since retiring with a hip problem against Marin Cilic in the last eight of the Australian Open.
Alexander Zverev beat David Ferrer 6-4 6-2 6-2 in the opening tie in Valencia.
"It's positive of course, winning in straight sets," said Nadal. "It was a solid match and I feel comfortable back on the clay.
"It's a great feeling to be back. Coming back from injuries is always difficult, but it's great to be in front of my crowd on a very memorable day."
Nadal is set to face world number four Zverev in the first match of the reverse singles on Sunday, before Ferrer plays Kohlschreiber, ranked a place below him in 34th.
''To play at home at a bullring stadium, it's very unique. Coming back from injuries is always difficult, but it's great to be in front of my crowd on a very memorable day.''
Earlier, Zverev cruised past the 33rd-ranked Ferrer with four aces and 27 winners.
''I played more aggressively as the match went on. It's my first clay-court match in a very long time, so it was great to find my rhythm so quickly,'' Zverev said. ''With Nadal in their team, it's a point we're not expecting to get, so it's important to start well.''
This is the teams' first Davis Cup meeting since 2004.
Spain is trying to extend its winning streak at home to 27 ties. Italy holds the Davis Cup record with a 29-tie unbeaten run at home from 1949-64. Spain hasn't lost a tie as host since the first round in 1999 against Brazil.
