The bonus: A second-round match with Fernando Gonzalez, the top seed and three-time defending champion of his home event.
"I was lucky not having to play a long match against Pashanski, because that will give me more time to rest before playing Fernando (on Wednesday),'' Maximo Gonzalez said.
"I know it will be difficult to win, but I'm planning on not giving much play for Fernando's right (side).''
It was Gonzalez's third time winning an opening match in an ATP event after last year's French Open and the event in Umag, Croatia, where he reached the semifinals.
In the other early match, Brian Dabul upset fellow Argentine Diego Junqueira 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-1.
Dabul, who also made his breakthrough last year, lined up second-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain.
"It took me longer than I expected today, but I played well,'' Dabul said. "Robredo is difficult but I'm confident because I've been playing well recently.''
Dabul won his first match at a Grand Slam last month.
Valencia Always Go Out To Win - Unai Emery
Gonzalez squeezes into Vina del Mar quarters
