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Malaga 0 - 1 Real Madrid & Valladolid 0 - 1 Barcelona

2009-04-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Barca have 72 points with nine games left to play, and remain six ahead of Real.

After an aggressive start from Valladolid, Cameroon striker Eto'o played a slick one-two with Xavi and lobbed the goalkeeper for his 26th league goal of the season just before the break.

Coach Pep Guardiola only used Lionel Messi and Daniel Alves as substitutes with one eye on next week's Champions League quarter-final at home to Bayern Munich.

Malaga put Real under pressure in similar fashion in the late game but a burst from midfield by Argentine striker Higuain saw him score the only goal just after the restart.

Sevilla are third with 57 points after a first-half Frederic Kanoute penalty earned a 1-0 win at Recreativo Huelva.

Fourth-placed Villarreal were unable to cope with Almeria striker Alvaro Negredo as he inspired his side to a 3-0 home win.

The former Real Madrid youth team player netted his 17th of the campaign after seven minutes and set up Pablo Piatti and Mane for two more before half-time.

He hit the post after the restart just before Villarreal were reduced to 10 men when Robert Pires collected his second yellow card.

At the foot of the standings, Numancia grabbed a last-minute equaliser from the penalty spot to draw 3-3 in a thriller at Real Betis, and Copa del Rey finalists Athletic Bilbao ended a run of four successive defeats to beat Real Mallorca 2-1 at home.

Barcelona 6 - 0 Malaga & Real Madrid 3 - 0 Almeria

2009-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid had earlier cut the gap to three points with a 3-0 victory at home to Almeria, but a sumptuous first-half performance saw the Catalans bag four goals and regain their pre-weekend advantage.

The first came after 19 minutes when a Samuel Eto'o through-ball found Xavi in the box; the midfielder coolly slotted underneath the oncoming Inaki Goitia in the Malaga goal.

The second came six minutes later courtesy of a piece of genius from Lionel Messi, the Argentine beating three men before lashing the ball in from four yards.

Thierry Henry added to the goal-fest on 32 minutes, rounding Goitia after a clinical Xavi through-ball to finish with ease.

Eto'o completed the first-half rout, nutmegging the Mexican keeper after another assist from the impeccable Xavi on 43 minutes.

The second half was not much better for Malaga, with Barca continuing where they left off in the first.

Right-back Daniel Alves headed past Goitia on 51 minutes after a delightfully chipped through-ball from Iniesta before Eto'o grabbed his second of the night, tapping in after a cross from Henry on 57 minutes.

Barcelona then took their foot off the gas, cruising to the final whistle.

Malaga drop to eighth position on 43 points.

Real Madrid comfortably overcame a spirited Almeria side 3-0 in the Bernabeu.

The first half was an open affair, with both teams attacking at will. However Real always carried the greater threat and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring on 23 minutes.

Madrid's Brazilian full-back Marcelo unleashed an unstoppable drive from just outside the box, giving Diego in the Almeria goal no chance.

Both teams then had chances to add to the scoring but it was not until the 53rd minute that the next goal came. This time Dutch goal-machine Klaas Jan-Hunelaar got in on the act, smashing home from 12 yards after poor Almeria defending.

The striker than added a third on 66 minutes, finishing clinically after Diego could only parry a Robben shot into the path of the former PSV man.

The result leaves Almeria two points above the relegation zone while Real temporarily close the gap on rivals Barcelona at the top.

Almeria 0 - 2 Barcelona

2009-03-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

The 18-year-old Spain striker was handed a rare start with Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry on the bench and he did not disappoint, finishing off delightful passing moves for his first league goals of the season.

Until the diminutive Catalan's 53rd-minute opener, Almeria had frustrated their visitors with goalkeeper Diego Alves in fine form.

The Brazilian shot-stopper made brilliant first-half saves from Kader Keita, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, and one incredible stop from a Gerard Pique header that was so powerful Alves ended up flying backwards into the goal while the ball spun to safety.

The hosts, meanwhile, were not only on the back foot and tiny winger Albert Crusat should have given them the lead when he raced clear from halfway only to panic and lob well over as Victor Valdes raced to the edge of his penalty area.

Barca took the lead seven minutes into the second half after a hypnotic spell of passing culminated in Messi rifling a shot off the post and into the path of Bojan, who slid the ball into the unguarded net with keeper Alves stranded.

He doubled the lead just over two minutes later after a quite spectacular piece of build-up play that included a give-and-go started by Daniel Alves that went via a flying flick from Iniesta and an audacious backheel by Messi, with Alves running on to the latter to set up Bojan for a deflected finish.

The finish was fortuitous but the prologue spectacular. There was little left for either side to say afterwards as the match fizzled out into a training-ground exercise that saw Alexander Hleb and Eidur Gudjohnsen given a chance to stretch their legs.

The win puts Barca on 67 points, with second-placed Real Madrid on 60, but with 11 games remaining - including a Clasico at the Bernabeu - Los Merengues still have everything to play for.

Almeria 0 - 2 FC Barcelona

2009-03-15T16:51:00.001-07:00

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 5 Real Madrid & Valencia 1 - 1 Recreativo Huelva

2009-03-15T05:15:00.001-07:00

Real move on to 60 points with 11 matches remaining while Barca have 63 ahead of their game at Almeria after beating their ten-man opponents.

The visitors made the perfect start at Athletic Bilbao when Arjen Robben opened the scoring after running at Athletic's defence before sending a left-footed drive in off the crossbar.

The visitors doubled their advantage after 34 minutes when Gabriel Heinze nodded home Wesley Sneijder's dangerous inswinging free-kick.

However, just when it looked like Real were on course to close the gap on leaders Barca the home side struck back.

Within minutes of scoring at the right end, Heinze put through his own net after making a hash of clearing David Lopez's low driven cross.

The match erupted moments later when the lively Francisco Yeste was given his marching orders for foolishly bundling over Real keeper Iker Casillas.

Athletic were back on level terms before half-time when Casillas somehow failed to keep out Fernando Llorente's far post header in first-half injury time.

The home side's joy was short-lived after half-time with Klaas Jan Huntelaar continuing his good form by somehow squeezing his shot past the statuesque Gorka Iraizoz at his near post.

Athletic pushed forward in search from another leveller, but it was Real who scored next. The visitors broke through Robben and he picked out Huntelaar who finished with aplomb.

Juande Ramos' side added the icing on the cake late on when substitute Gonzalo Higuain converted from 12 yards out after Marcello was feeling in the penalty area.

Ten-man Valencia needed a late goal from Pablo Hernandez to rescue a 1-1 draw against Recreativo Huelva at the Mestalla.

Los Che have been poor of late and another two dropped points on Saturday means they have now gone five Liga matches without success.

Recreativo went ahead in the 55th-minute when Adrian Columnas lunged ahead of two Valencia defenders to poke a loose ball under Cesar Sanchez.

Valencia had Carlos Marchena sent off shortly after, but Valencia managed to secure a point from the contest thanks to Hernandez's leveller.

Barcelona 2 - 0 Atletic Bilbao & Real Madrid 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid

2009-03-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

A Sergio Busquets header and a Lionel Messi penalty, both in the first half, gave Barca their first win in six outings in all competitions.

They opened up a six-point lead over chasing Real, whose 10-match winning streak came to an end against Atletico.

Diego Forlan put Atletico ahead before the break and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar levelled in the 57th minute.

The visitors, who beat Barca last weekend, missed a host of second-half chances to claim their first derby win since 1999.

Barca have 63 points with 12 matches left. Atletico remain fifth with 40 points, behind champions Real (57), Sevilla (47) and Villarreal (45).

The emotion of reaching their first Copa del Rey final in 24 years in midweek appeared to take its toll on Bilbao who were second best against their fellow finalists at the Nou Camp.

Barca suffered an early fright when Fran Yeste burst clear only to fire wastefully wide but in the 17th minute they went ahead when Busquets met Xavi's free kick from wide on the left with a powerful header.

The hosts then won a penalty when Andres Iniesta was bundled over as he dribbled into the area in the 32nd minute, Messi putting away the spot kick.

Barca threatened to cut loose after the interval. Iniesta lashed a shot against the post, Bilbao cleared a shot off the line and Samuel Eto'o rattled the crossbar.

Atletico were the more adventurous at the Bernabeu but Leo Franco was the busier goalkeeper until Sergio Aguero made his presence felt.

The Argentine executed a slick backheel to launch a counter-attack and after receiving a return pass he squared for Forlan to beat keeper Iker Casillas in the 38th minute.

After the break Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Gonzalo Higuain for Guti and he made an immediate impact, feeding Huntelaar on the edge of the area.

The Dutch striker turned his marker and fired high into the net, though television replays showed he had been in an offside position.

Atletico refused to wilt, Forlan hitting the post and substitute Florent Sinama Pongolle firing wide when well placed.

In the evening's late game, Villarreal took full advantage of Atletico's draw by beating struggling Espanyol 1-0 at El Madrigal.

Argentinian defender Fabricio Fuentes converted a 20th-minute penalty to open the Yellow Submarine between his side and fifth-placed Atletico to five points.

Athletico Madrid 4 - 3 Barcelona

2009-03-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has told the club's players and supporters not to panic after successive defeats cut their lead over Real Madrid to only four points.

Earlier in February La Liga leaders Barca were 12 points clear of Madrid.

But since their 2-0 Clasico defeat in Juande Ramos's first match in charge, Los Merengues have won 10 Liga matches on the trot, while Los Cules slumped to defeats at home to local rivals Espanyol and - despite leading 2-0 and 3-2 during the match - at Atletico Madrid.

"We have had a big advantage and Real Madrid have cut it back by eight points in three weeks. But we will continue forward," said Guardiola. "We lost a game which was up and down, very exciting and I have to give credit to Atletico but we will now continue as before.

"Atletico play a very direct style of football and it caused problems. It was a game with plenty of chances, typical of an Atletico Madrid versus Barcelona game."

Atletico coach Abel Resino, whose team occupy fifth place, singled out his players' battling qualities.

"Against a good side we had a first half where we maintained our composure despite the onslaught. Each day I feel as though we are getting better and the team has shown character," he said.

"We never eased off despite being 2-0 down. Sergio Aguero was sensational and his attitude has been contagious."

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid & Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Sevilla

2009-02-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid

A stunning free kick from Guti and a clinical finish from Raul gave Real Madrid a critical win at Espanyol to keep up the pressure on Barcelona.

Real close the gap on Barca to just four points, with La Liga's top club facing a tough Sunday match against Atletico Madrid.

Espanyol made it far from easy for Real, however, playing superb football that defied their lowly league position and made them look the team most likely to break the deadlock during a goalless first hour.

Right from the whistle it was the home side that looked the more accomplished, with Fernandez Luis Garcia whipping in a brilliant free kick after just six minutes that drew a superb reaction save from Iker Casillas.

The home side continued to press, and came incredibly close to scoring as a penalty box scramble offered chances to both Daniel Alonso and Ivan de la Pena. Neither could find the target, however, with Alonso's fresh-air swish at the ball being the most agonising miss.

The second half saw an increasingly desperate Real side trying to force positions, but the Espanyol defence seemed simply too solid to let anything through.

Predictably, perhaps, it was from a dead-ball that the visitors made the breakthrough. A free-kick won 30 yards out and in the centre of the pitch always looked to be in a dangerous position, and Guti's stunning strike was genuinely unstoppable: indeed, Carlos Kameni got a hand to it but still could not prevent it ricocheting in off both the cross-bar and post.

Just five minutes later Real doubled their lead, Marcelo's jinking run to the left corner of the box culminating in a lovely pass straight in to the path of the charging Raul, who buried his finish low and hard in to the bottom left-hand corner.

It was a tough blow for Espanyol, who played far better than a 2-0 scoreline suggested; but once they had ceded the advantage to Real the visitors squeezed the life out of their hosts and played out a solid - and potentially crucial - victory.

Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Sevilla

Frederic Kanoute scored a stylish double to help third-placed Sevilla come from behind and earn a 2-1 away victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

Sevilla enjoyed more possession in the opening stages but it was the home side who struck on 26 minutes: the visitors' keeper Andres Palop got a hand to Igor Gabilondo's low shot, but the ball squirmed over the line into the bottom corner.

The Andalusian side continued to push their hosts, however, and Kanoute produced a sublime piece of control to create the equaliser five minutes before the break. The Mali international took the ball down in the penalty area, shrugged off a defender and slammed the ball past Armando.

He twice went close before grabbing the winner just before the hour when he picked up a Ndri Romaric pass and drove the ball into the bottom left corner.

Sevilla return to the San Mames on Wednesday to play Athletic in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, where they will defend a 2-1 first leg advantage.

Real Madrid Vs Real Betis 6-1 Sergio Ramos Goal

2009-02-21T14:27:00.001-08:00

Barcelona 1 - 2 Espanyol & Real Madrid 6 - 1 Betis Sévilla

2009-02-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Real scored all their goals in a terrific first half to record a ninth straight league win and they are brimming with confidence for Wednesday's last 16 Champions League match with Liverpool in Madrid.

Barca travel to Lyon on Tuesday for their European clash and will be kicking themselves after the loss to Espanyol, who won at Camp Nou for the first time since 1982.

Old boy Ivan de la Pena, who came through the Barca ranks and played at the club from 1995 to 1998, scored twice to gun down his old club, who had Seydou Keita sent off after 37 minutes.

It was Barca's first defeat since the opening day of the season ending their 22-match unbeaten run and in just a fortnight Real have sliced their lead from 12 points to seven.

Gonzalo Higuain opened the Real scoring in the seventh minute with his 14th goal of the season before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored twice.
Liverpool needn't worry about Dutch forward Huntelaar scoring against them as UEFA rules forced Real to omit the 20-million-euro signing from Ajax from the Champions League squad with Lass Diarra grabbing the final place.

Captain Raul will be available though, and the veteran striker scored a quick-fire brace (36 min, 42) as Real led 6-1 at the interval.
Ricardo Oliviera, a nine-million-euro signing from Real Zaragoza, had pulled a goal back on the half hour mark for Betis and it was the first goal Real had conceded in five league matches.

Sergio Ramos completed the first half rout and there were no more goals in the second half as Real eased off to save energy for the Liverpool showdown.

Barca have been cruising for most of this season but have hit a rocky patch with the Betis draw followed up by defeat to Espanyol.

Thierry Henry spurned a great chance after 13 minutes heading over from close range after Lionel Messi's great cross.

It was a fast-paced match and on 37 minutes Keita was red-carded for a late tackle on Moises Hurtado giving Barca an uphill task.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was furious about the decision while Keita looked stunned - probably expecting a yellow card rather than a red.

Five minutes into the second half it got worse for Barca when old boy de la Pena headed the visitors in front.

The 32-year-old then scored again five minutes later with a terrific chip to stun the home fans.

Yaya Toure gave Barca hope with a 62nd-minute strike but Espanyol held on to triumph in a heated game which produced ten yellow cards and one red.

For Espanyol it was a first victory since the beginning of November and they move off the foot of the table with Numancia taking their place.

Sporting Gijón vs Real Madrid 0-4 HIGHLIGHTS

2009-02-15T14:39:00.001-08:00

Sporting Gijon 0 - 4 Real Madrid & More Results

2009-02-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

The leaders were held 2-2 away to Real Betis on Saturday and the champions took full advantage as Raul scored twice and Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Marcelo added one apiece to make short work of their hosts.

Raul set a new scoring record for the nine-times European champions, surpassing Alfredo di Stefano's tally by two to move on to 309 goals.

Atletico Madrid host local rivals Getafe later on Sunday.

Real Madrid were without the injured Arjen Robben at El Molinon but his absence was quickly forgotten as Raul stroked in Sergio Ramos's cross after 15 minutes.

Juande Ramos gave new signing Huntelaar a rare start and the Dutch striker returned the favour with his debut goal for the club, beating Inaki Lafuente in a one-on-one after a flick-on from Gonzalo Higuain before the break.

Higuain set up the third just after the restart, backheeling to set Marcelo clear on a counter-attack, and the Brazilian international calmly lifted the ball over Lafuente.

Sporting's keeper gifted Raul the fourth when he let Higuain's shot squirm through his legs for a simple tap-in 14 minutes from time, and the home side's best chance came when David Barral lashed a shot against the post at the end.

Espanyol 0-2 Sevilla

Bottom club Espanyol's battling performance was undone after Milan Smiljanic was sent off in the 64th minute, leaving new coach Mauricio Pochettino still without a win.

Sevilla had been denied by the woodwork twice before Jesus Navas crossed for Frederic Kanoute to score in the 84th minute.

Navas set up Kanoute again in time added on as Sevilla went third above Valencia.

Racing Santander 1-1 Villarreal

Villarreal's inconsistent away form continued in Santander as they failed to profit from a Racing side short on confidence at home.

Serbia striker Nikola Zigic headed Racing in front in the 24th minute, although replays showed he had been in an offside position.

Villarreal levelled with a superb finish from Santi Cazorla after a well-worked corner move just before the break.

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Recreativo

Copa del Rey semi-finalists Bilbao came from behind to preserve their three-month unbeaten record at San Mames.

Recre took the lead when Javier Camunas set up Aitor in the 33rd minute. Bilbao, who missed injured striker Fernando Llorente, levelled when Javi Martinez bundled in at a free-kick just after the restart.

Numancia 0-1 Mallorca

Mallorca climbed off the foot of the standings and condemned fellow strugglers Numancia to their fifth consecutive defeat.

Aritz Aduriz scored the only goal, volleying in Juan Arango's cross after 21 minutes, although Numancia hit the crossbar as they pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

Almeria 3-2 Valladolid

Almeria were down to nine men when they completed their comeback to win 3-2 from 2-0 down, Alvaro Negredo lobbing the keeper in the 78th minute.

Valladolid took the lead with a great Pedro Leon free-kick and doubled it when Henok Goitom netted a scrappy effort in the 22nd.

Albert Crusat pulled one back in the 61st, just before team-mate Bruno Saltor was sent off.

Kalu Uche rose to head the equaliser in the 70th, and seven minutes later was also sent off. Valladolid had defender Nano red-carded in the 81st.

Real Betis 2 - 2 Barcelona

2009-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Mark Gonzalez and Juan Melli put the hosts ahead but Barca fought back through a brace from Samuel Eto'o and were denied victory by some inspired goalkeeping by Ricardo, although Betis too had chances to score more.

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola took the risk of leaving Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry on the bench and it appeared to backfire when Betis went 2-0 up within 25 minutes.

Defender Melli headed the hosts in front with a powerful header from a corner on 19 minutes, although he was effectively unmarked with Carlos Busquets struggling to get across to challenge him in time.

Seven minutes later former Liverpool winger Gonzalez doubled their lead when Sergio Garcia found him free at the far post, so free that he had time to let the ball bounce off his chest before he rifled a low finish into the bottom right.

Neither goal would have been prevented by Messi or Henry, but their absence was notable by the lack of a decent final ball or forward support to Eto'o.

Barca woke up after going two down but they could not match their possession with a cutting edge and almost conceded more with Achille Emana firing over from close range after good work from Ricardo Oliveira.

Andres Iniesta was the key man and he created two opportunities single-handed through mazy dribbles down the left: two of these runs forced Ricardo into action at the near post while one saw defender Lima deny Eto'o with a desperate challenge.

The final of these runs reaped dividends just before half-time, when Juande clumsily brought Iniesta down in the area. Eto'o's penalty was saved by Ricardo but the Cameroon man made no mistake with the follow-up to make it 2-1 going into the dressing rooms.

The second half was equally entertaining.

Oliveira had what would have been a brilliant breakaway goal disallowed when he strayed just offside; Barca almost equalised from the subsequent counter but Eto'o could only poke wide when he raced clean through before Betis saw a third denied by Victor Valdes after Emana raced on to Oliveira's flick-on.

Barcelona vs Sporting Gijón HIGHLIGHTS

2009-02-08T12:51:00.001-08:00

Barcelona 3 - 1 Sporting Gijon

2009-02-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Barcelona beat Sporting Gijon 3-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to re-establish their 12-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish table.
Eto'o scored in the 23rd and 40th minutes to take his personal tally to 21 for the season with Valencia's David Villa his nearest rival on 17.

Brazilian Dani Alves added a third in the second half as Barcelona eased to their 10th successive league win.

Champions Real notched their seventh win on the spin with a 1-0 triumph over Racing Santander 24 hours earlier but they were jeered off by their own fans for clinging to the slender lead rather than going for a second goal.

Coach Pep Guardiola reshuffled the Barcelona backline with central defenders Rafael Marquez and Gerard Pique, called into the Spain squad for Wednesday's friendly with England, both suspended.
Carles Puyol returned from injury and Uruguayan international Martin Caceres, a 16.5 million euro signing from Villarreal, had a rare start in central defence.

Caceres had a quiet night as Barcelona had Sporting on the back foot from the start and deservedly took the lead on 23 minutes.

Sporting had a corner but when the ball was cleared the hosts launched a lightning quick counter-attack with Andres Iniesta carrying the ball at pace before feeding Thierry Henry who crossed for Eto'o to tap in.

It was Barcelona's 100th goal this season in all competitions but they weren't resting on their laurels as Eto'o scored again shortly before half-time.

Picking up a Lionel Messi pass, Eto'o jinked inside before smashing his effort into the corner.

Alves made it 3-0 with a great solo goal before Gijon pulled one back.

Eto'o was denied a hat-trick by the post while Henry could have got three himself after spurning several chances.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Racing Santander "Goal Higuain"

2009-02-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid had Gonzalo Higuain's 49th minute winner to thank for a 1-0 win over Racing Santander on Saturday but the Spanish giants' seventh successive league win did little to appease the woes of their fans.

Argentine Higuain netted the decisive goal shortly after the restart and Real were made to sweat for the remainder as they awaited the final whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The reigning champions held on to close to within nine points of runaway leaders Barcelona, but another 1-0 win - an emerging habit under new coach Juande Ramos - could not stop the jeers, or fans heading for the exits early.

The grumbling is likely to grow louder in Madrid if a 10th successive league win for Barcelona, who host Sporting Gijon on Sunday, restores their advantage over Real to 12 points.

Iker Casillas made history making his 454th appearance to equal Paco Buya's club record in the Real goal and he had little to do as Real controlled proceedings without making the breakthrough.
Pepe cynically pushed Perreira to the floor before Gabriel Heinze and Fabio Cannavaro hacked the grounded striker.

The referee waved play on and livid Racing players encircled Heinze while words were also exchanged as both sets of players trudged off at half-time.

Racing then conceded four minutes into the second half with Higuain cutting inside before finishing with aplomb.

The Argentine should have scored again shortly afterwards but custodian Antonio Martinez somehow saved the shot with an oustretched foot.

Real's new French signing Julien Faubert, recruited on loan from West Ham, made his debut just after the hour mark coming on for Arjen Robben who seemed less than happy about the decision.

Racing went close to equalising and Cannavaro had to clear off the goal line to prevent an own goal from Pepe.

Nicola Zigic headed over a great chance for Racing and angry Real fans flocked out of the turnstiles with several minutes remaining.

Racing Santander 1 - 2 Barcelona

2009-02-01T11:26:00.001-08:00

Racing gave the visitors little space and took the lead after the restart when Nikola Zigic scored from the penalty spot.

Messi's introduction galvanised Barca and the Argentine stole in to score the equaliser within 10 minutes of coming on the pitch, and grabbed the winner nine minutes from time.

Barca, who had Rafael Marquez and Gerard Pique sent off in the closing minutes, restored their 12-point lead at the top of the table.

Champions Real Madrid, who beat Numancia 2-0 away on Saturday, are second.

Third-placed Sevilla, on 38 points, visit Sporting Gijon later on Sunday when Valencia, in fourth, host Almeria.

Villarreal stay fifth with 34 points after falling 3-0 away to Deportivo Coruna, who climbed to sixth.

Numancia 0 - 2 Real Madrid & Atheletic Bilbao 3 - 2 Malaga

2009-02-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

Two quick goals at the start of the second half settled the issue, the Dutch winger helping set up Raul for his 307th Real goal, equalling the club record held by Alfredo di Stefano.

Robben then bagged the second with a trademark run in off the right flank and a shot from the edge of the area.

Juande Ramos's side strengthened their hold on second place on 44 points but are still nine short of leaders Barcelona who visit Racing Santander on Sunday.

Third-placed Sevilla, on 38 points, travel to Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Numancia's Javier del Pino headed against the post as the home side kept Real at bay in a chilly first-half, with Robben closely marshalled.

However, three minutes into the second period it was Robben's run that created the opening for Raul to slot in Gonzalo Higuain's parried shot.

With Numancia still reeling, Robben raced through to score the second in the 56th and the visitors comfortably maintained their advantage despite Fernando Gago being sent off for picking up his second yellow card near the end.

Atheletic Bilbao 3-2 Malaga

Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat Malaga 3-2 in a pulsating Primera Liga encounter on Saturday.

Promoted Malaga twice took the lead at San Mames through Albert Luque and Lolo and were close to breaking into the Champions League places.

But Bilbao's in-form striker Fernando Llorente set up the first equaliser for Fran Yeste just before the break.

Llorente then powered in a spectacular goal in the 71st minute before Markel Susaeta rose to head the winner four minutes from time.

Malaga stay seventh with 32 points, three ahead of ninth-placed Bilbao, who travel to Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

Barcelona 3 - 2 Espanyol & Sévilla 2 - 1 Valencia "Copa Del Rey"

2009-01-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

Barcelona 3-2 Espanyol

Barcelona almost blew a three-goal lead at the Nou Camp, going through to the last four of the Copa del Rey despite an incredible fightback from neighbours Espanyol.

Barca looked to be cruising to a characteristic demolition of lesser opposition when teenage sensation Bojan Krkic scored either side of the break, and when Gerard Pique added a third on 56 minutes it allseemed to be over for Espanyol.

But a goal from Ferran Corominas just two minutes later gave them hope: an unusual shot hit into the ground that ended up spinning up and over a group of players into the Barcelona net.

And when Jose Callejon scored with an utterly superb 35-yard strike ten minutes later it seemed that the impossible comeback was on.

Espanyol kept pushing madly for the equaliser that would give them an away-goals win, whilst Barcelona threw on previosly absent stars Samuel Eto'o and Andres Iniesta as they sought to re-establish their comfort zone.

In the end, however, neither side could add to the tally. Espanyol's brave effort earned them rousing applause from all sections of the crowd, while Barcelona will cross themselves and look forward to their semi-final clash against Mallorca.

Sevilla 2-1 Valencia

Sebastien Squillaci scored a last-minute winner to give 2007 champions Sevilla a 2-1 victory over holders Valencia in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final and a place in the last four.

After last week's first leg at the Mestalla ended 3-2, Valencia looked to be cruising when a header from captain Carlos Marchena put them in front in the eighth minute in Seville, opening up a 4-2 aggregate lead.

But Frederic Kanoute equalised before the break when his header from a Ndri Romaric freekick beat Cesar Sanchez to make it 1-1 on the night.

Sevilla missed several chances before Squillaci was in the right place to hook Renato's corner in from close range in the 90th minute and set up a last-four clash on away goals against Athletic Bilbao.

The semi-finals take place over two legs, with the first leg next week and the second in the first week of March.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna & More Results

2009-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

The 40th-minute glancing header edged Raul closer to Alfredo di Stefano's all-time record of 214 Liga goals, while the Madrid native is now two shy of the same man's tally of 307 in all competitions.

The winning touch came from a quickly-taken set piece, as recent signing Lassana Diarra swung over an excellent left-wing cross that Raul flicked past Gustavo Munua with his right ear.

It was a fiercely-contested match, with the competitiveness spilling over on several occasions.

Depor midfielder Lafita was incredibly fortunate to stay on the pitch when he launched into a high, late and dangerous tackle that could have snapped Fernando Gago's standing leg, one of several rough challenges from both sides.

New coach Juande Ramos lost his first match in charge 2-0 at Barcelona, but his side have since taken maximum points domestically and have only conceded once in five matches.

They hedged their bets though, as the visitors were impressive both in attack and defence.

Depor were unlucky not to score when left-back Filipe hit the top of the bar with a long-range shot, while Iker Casillas made a spectacular save from Lafita.

Madrid, meanwhile, looked at their most dangerous on the counter-attack with the reborn Arjen Robben marauding on both flanks.

The Dutchman is in the form of his life and created chances for Gonzalo Higuain, Raul, Wesley Sniejder and Rafael van der Vaart and almost scored himself with a superb solo run at the end that was foiled by Munua in the Depor goal.

Miguel Angel Lotina's side welcomed back playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron, who started for the first time in 18 months after a three-year injury hell that almost saw him retire.

Valeron, 33, looked every bit the player he was in the early part of the Noughties, with some deft touches and crafty passing, and although he tired towards the end his return will be a big boost to Depor, who themselves are back in the top half of the table after a difficult few seasons.

Madrid stay second after the win but are still 12 points behind leaders Barcelona, while Deportivo remain eighth.

Sevilla 0 Racing Santander 2

Sevilla spurned the chance to go second in La Liga when they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Racing Santander despite the visitors being down to 10 men for an hour of the match.

The hosts went 1-0 down when defender Cesar Navas's struck from close-range after Nikola Zigic rose to head a Pedro Munitis free-kick against the crossbar.

Oscar Serrano was harshly shown a straight red card just after the half-hour mark for a trip on Adriano.

But Manuel Jimenez's side failed to take advantage and conceded one minute after the second-half restart when Frederic Kanoute diverted a Munitis free-kick past his own goalkeeper Andres Palop.

Sevilla dominated possession in the second half but were unable to create enough clear-cut openings.

When they did have chances, Diego Capel and Luis Fabiano fluffed their lines, while Tono made a great save from Finnish substitute Teemu Pukki.

The defeat leaves Sevilla in third, while Racing move up to ninth.

- - - -

Mallorca 3 Valencia 1

Mallorca were led to their first league victory since late October by midfielder Jurado.

The 22-year-old pounced on a loose ball for the first after eight minutes and was brought down for a penalty which Jose Luis Marti scored in the 41st.

A minute later, Jurado broke away for the third.

Vicente pulled one back for Valencia in the second half.

- - - -

Almeria 2 Athletic Bilbao 1

Hugo Sanchez's second league win at the helm of Almeria was sealed with two first-half goals.

Juanma Ortiz headed the opener after 26 minutes and Kalu Uche swivelled to score the second before the break. Joseba del Olmo broke away to score for the visitors midway through the second half.

- - - -

Getafe 5 Sporting Gijon 1

Sporting's new signing Inaki Lafuente had a debut to forget in goal as Getafe ended a run of four straight defeats in style.

Striker Roberto Soldado made the most of an error to score Getafe's opener, and Esteban Granero looped in a shot from distance soon after.

David Barral's solo effort put Sporting back in the game just before the break but Soldado scored again, Ikechukwu Uche made it 4-1, and Soldado completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

- - - -

Malaga 1 Atletico Madrid 1

Atletico are still seeking their first win of 2009 after coming from behind to draw with the team just below them in the standings.

Apono's long-range shot skimmed off a defender to put Malaga ahead in the 22nd minute, but John Heitinga levelled at a free-kick just before halftime.

- - - -

Valladolid 1 Espanyol 0

New Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino was unable to crown his league debut at the helm with a victory.

Valladolid's Henok Goitom nudged in Jonathan Sesma's shot after 42 minutes, but Sergio Sanchez levelled with a header from a corner 11 minutes from time.

- - - -

Recreativo 1 Real Betis 0

Recre's mini-revival continued with a fourth game unbeaten at the expense of Andalucian rivals Betis.

Javier Camunas scored the winner 18 minutes from time with a superb glancing header.

Barcelona 4 - 1 Numancia

2009-01-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

A brace from the irresistible Lionel Messi and one apiece from Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry saw off a plucky Numancia side who had a goal controversially disallowed and pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 on the hour mark.

The visitors had captain Cesar Palacios dismissed late on for a second yellow card.

Barcelona dominated the match but, despite chances for Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Messi and Andres Iniesta, it was goalless at half-time and could even have been 1-0 to Numancia had Javier Del Pino's 18th-minute header not been harshly ruled out for an alleged push on Iniesta.

Alves hit the top of the bar with an audacious lob, Pique drilled wide from the edge of the box, Xavi and Messi had consecutive shots bravely blocked by Sergio Ortega and Boris, Juan Pablo denied Iniesta with a wonderful stoop and Juanra denied Messi again with a superb last-ditch tackle.

But somehow it was goalless at the break, although parity did not last very long as Messi had the simplest of finishes three minutes after the restart thanks to great work from the marauding Alves.

It was 2-0 three minutes later when Iniesta's pass ricocheted into the path of Eto'o, who held off Ortega and finished past Juan Pablo.

Jose Barkero's wonderful free-kick gave the visitors hope, but Henry sent a low deflected shot off the foot of Palacios 10 minutes later and Messi sealed the rout with a tap-in after his initial shot was blocked by Juan Pablo, who did not deserve to be beaten four times.

By the end it could have been six or seven, with Messi forcing another good save from Juan Pablo and hitting the crossbar, while Eto'o missed two clear-cut chances to draw level with Messi on 22 goals scored in all competitions.

Real Madrid can close the gap to 12 points if they beat Deportivo but Barcelona - with 53 points from a possible 60 and an average of over three goals a game - will almost certainly win the title.

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Osasuna

2009-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Osasuna went ahead through Javad Nekounam's 20th-minute header but Madrid fought back through second-half goals by Sergio Ramos, Gonzalo Higuain and Arjen Robben.

But the win was soured by two terrible refereeing decisions that saw the unfortunate Juanfran sent off when Alfonso Perez Burrull incorrectly booked him twice for diving when he should have awarded penalties.

The first booking came on 13 minutes when Fernando Gago clumsily slid in on the Osasuna winger, taking him down first with his thigh and then with a trailing leg.

Gago got nowhere near the ball and it should have been a spot-kick.

The second decision was yet more woeful. With less than 10 minutes remaining and with Madrid leading 2-1, Pepe clearly trod on Juanfran's foot as he burst into the box and prepared to pull the trigger.

But inexplicably Burrull blew for simulation and sent the distraught Juanfran to an early bath.

The defeat was even more frustrating for Osasuna because two of the goals came from goalkeeping howlers by Roberto.

Sergio Ramos equalised four minutes after the second-half restart when he surged forward from right-back and released a low drive that Roberto allowed to squirm through his hands.

Higuain put the hosts in front with a tap-in after a clever give-and-go with Robben while, in injury-time, Robben added a gloss on the win when his own daisy-cutter was mis-handled by the poor Roberto.

The result puts Madrid in second place, level on points with Sevilla but with a superior goal difference, while Osasuna remain at the foot of the standings.

Barcelona 5 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna

2009-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

Lionel Messi opened the scoring on 21 minutes before Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o added two more before half time, and then Henry and Eto'o both netted again in the final ten minutes to underline an emphatic victory.

In a move that set the tone for the match, Barcelona very nearly opened the scoring inside the first thirty seconds. Messi got on to a ball played out to him on the right flank, and fired in a cross to the waiting - and unmarked - Henry, whose shot sent Aranzubia the wrong way, but clipped the keeper's trailing feet and flew to safety.

Barcelona charged ceaselessly from then on, coming at their visitors with successive attacks that continually threatened to open up the defence. This rampant attacking was interrupted by only very rare counter-attacks from the visitors, most of which relied on speculative long balls and never really threatened.

The home side's breakthrough was just a matter of time, and it was Messi who provided it. The Argentine outpaced three defenders at full tilt before placing an incredible left-foot shot back across his own path, wrong-footing the keeper by five or six yards and clipping in off the right-hand post.

It took just six minutes for Barca to double their lead, with right-back Dani Alves - who was in blistering form throughout - providing the inch-perfect cross that Henry finished off with a trademark bullet header.

Fifteen minutes after that Eto'o turned the match into a rout as he was on-hand to mop up Seydou Keita's diving header. The Cameroon striker thumped the ball home from three yards, dismaying the visitors but making up for an earlier chance that he had squandered.

The second half was a far more sedate affair, with Barcelona relaxing in the knowledge that the game was won and Deportivo manfully trying to get back in to things.

Yet the visitors just never had the firepower to create a chance, and only when Barcelona came back to life in the final quarter of an hour did it look as if the scoreline would change.

First, substitute Iniesta hit a brilliant volley from Henry's cross that drew the best save of the match from Aranzubia on 72 minutes.

Then, on 83 minutes, Henry scored the fourth after Xavi rounded the keeper and passed for the Frenchman to fire into the unguarded net.

With four minutes left Carlos Puyol was through on Aranzubia and about to make it five, but was downed by the keeper to elicit a red card and a penalty kick. Eto'o stepped up to score an audacious spot kick that made it 5-0 and completed Deportivo's miserable visit to the Nou Camp with a scoreline that, if anything, still flattered the visitors.

Osasuna 2 - 3 Barcelona

2009-01-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Los Cules had trailed 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes of the game after Miguel Flano and Walter Pandiani's second-half strikes overhauled Samuel Eto'o's 44th-minute opener.

But Xavi's low drive and Messi's spectacular shot from the edge of the area gave Barca two goals in five minutes and a sixth consecutive win in La Liga.

The match was played in freezing conditions and it was not the classic that the scoreline would suggest.

Osasuna mostly chased their illustrious visitors and were fortunate to only be one goal down at half-time.

Thierry Henry went close when two of his shots were saved by back-up keeper Roberto after marauding runs on the left, while Messi hit the woodwork with a low, angled finish after a mazy dribble.

Barca finally went in front when great play on the left by Messi set up Eto'o, who drilled low into the bottom left from the edge of the box.

Home boss Jose Antonio Camacho brought on Josetxo for the whole of the second half and Javier Portillo just before the hour mark.

The changes seemed to work as on 62 minutes Miguel Flano - who at 5'9 is no giant for a defender - leapt well to arc a looping header over Victor Valdes from a right-wing corner.

Four minutes later Messi was denied by Roberto, who saved well from the Argentine after he initially spilled a long-range shot from Eto'o.

There was a moment of controversy when Osasuna played on and almost scored after Messi went down, although replays later suggested that he feigned injury and referee Jose Antonio Teixeira Vitienes had already instructed them to continue playing.

Osasuna took an unlikely lead when Jaroslav Plasil found Juanfran on the right and his low cross was prodded past Valdes by arch-poacher Pandiani for his third goal in as many games since recovering from injury.

Barcelona were frustrated and emotions almost spilled over a second time when the referee halted a Dani Alves counter-attack following Plasil's collision with Valdes, fearing a head injury to the Czech midfielder.

Pep Guardiola's men managed to challenge their aggression effectively, though.

Alves went on another run down the right and drilled a low ball to the unmarked Xavi, who fired past the helpless Roberto to equalise with nine minutes left on the clock.

And on 85 minutes Messi unleashed his winner from the edge of the box after he was allowed to cut in from the right on to his preferred left foot.

Mallorca 0 - 3 Real Madrid

2009-01-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Robben scored after a third-minute breakaway while Raul finished from close range ten minutes later.

Defender Sergio Ramos sealed the win with a spectacular volley mid-way through the second half.

Madrid move ahead of Sevilla on goal difference.

A frantic opening period saw Mallorca go close twice, through Jose Luis Marti's cross-shot and a Enrique Corrales header from the subsequent corner.

But Real went ahead through the counter-attack that followed. Gonzalo Higuain - returning to the starting line-up after injury - played a superb ball out wide to Robben, who raced free of the home defence, cut inside and slid a cool finish between the legs of Dudu Aouate.

All that happened within the first three minutes, and Madrid doubled their lead soon afterwards when Raul backheeled into an empty next after Higuain bustled into space on the right and cut a low cross past the stranded Dudu.

Higuain was denied a goal to add to his two assists when Dudu smothered at his feet after Robben again tore Mallorca apart down the right, as Madrid dominated possession and created all the chances.

Mallorca gave the visitors a scare four minutes before half-time when a corner caused problems and saw Webo fire over, but Los Merengues were worth their two-goal advantage at the break.

Juan Arango should have pulled one back for the hosts on 53 minutes but could only put the ball over from close range after Pierre Webo's flick-on.

But Madrid were by far the better side and, moments after Robben hit the post with a move identical to his opener, Juande Ramos's side went 3-0 up when Ramos sent a sweet low volley through Dudu's legs after a Fernando Gago floated a superb crossfield pass to the right wing.

Barcelona 3 - 1 Athlético Madrid & Copa Del Rey

2009-01-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

The Argentine forward, playing for the first time since the Christmas break, also hit the crossbar in a display so impressive that even many of the Atletico fans stood and applauded him when he was replaced near the end.

Barcelona made most of the early running at a chilly Vicente Calderon despite resting key players from the team who beat Real Mallorca at the weekend, including Xavi and Samuel Eto'o.

A deft piece of skill from Daniel Alves unlocked the Atletico defence for Messi's opening goal on 12 minutes.

The Argentine international played the ball inside and Alves sent a clever backheel through for him to run on and place a low shot past Gregory Coupet.

Atletico had to play with 10 men for most of the second half after defender John Heitinga felled Messi in the penalty area as he was racing to meet an Alves cross.

The referee showed the Dutchman a red card and Messi sent Coupet the wrong way to double Barca's lead.

Atletico substitute Tomas Ujfalusi pulled a goal back just over 10 minutes later with a header from Simao Sabrosa's corner, but the margin was restored when Messi completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes.

Copa del Rey last-16 fixtures - Wednesday

Sporting Gijon v Real Valladolid

Sevilla v Deportivo Coruna

Racing Santander v Valencia

Real Union de Irun v Real Betis

Ejido v Espanyol

Copa del Rey last-16 fixtures - Thursday

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao

Real Mallorca v Almeria

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Villareal & More Results

2009-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

The Netherlands winger came inside from the right and shimmied across the penalty area past several challenges before curling a hard shot into the far top corner, leaving Diego Lopez with no chance.

Former Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra and Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made their debuts for Real but both were substituted in the second half after playing small roles in the win.

With both teams on 29 points before the start of the match, a win for either would have seen them go third behind Valencia, who like leaders Barcelona were winners on Saturday.

There were several chances at either end, with Iker Casillas pulling off a sensational fingertip stop from a close-range Giuseppe Rossi header in the second half.

Sevilla 1-1 Osasuna

Sevilla missed the chance to go back above Real and Valencia into second as Walter Pandiani's 91st-minute equaliser earned Osasuna a 1-1 draw at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Osasuna were the better side in the first half, but Sevilla took the lead after 50 minutes when Jesus Navas chested down on the edge of the box before firing an unstoppable volley into the far bottom corner.

The edgy home fans saw Fredi Kanoute miss a golden chance with his head in the first half.

The Malian, who had a tee-shirt with the word 'Palestine' written upon it visible under his rain-soaked Sevilla shirt, could have snatched the points when another header four minutes into injury-time was diverted on to the crossbar by visiting goalkeeper Roberto.

Having missed the chance to display his message regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sevilla remain fourth in the table.

He also denied the creator of that chance, substitute Ariel Ibagaza, with a save low to his left.

Another sub, Joseba Llorente, was prevented from levelling by the Spain shot-stopper after wasting a pair of other chances.

Robben hit the woodwork for Real after 12 minutes, his shot from outside the box after a driving run deflected by a diving Gonzalo Rodriguez on to the bar and over.

Valencia 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

2009-01-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

David Silva returned from long-term injury to inspire Valencia to a victory against Atletico Madrid that takes them into second place in La Liga.

Spain striker David Villa opened the scoring from the spot on 34 minutes before Silva added the second.

Diego Forlan pulled one back from a penalty before half-time, but Silva's second goal of the match, just over 20 minutes from the end, put the result beyond doubt.

A breathless start to the match could have led to three goals in the first five minutes, the best of which was Villa's disallowed goal just 90 seconds into the match. Incredibly, it was the Euro 2008 Golden Boot winner's second decent chance of the game: he won the ball fairly and slotted past Franco in the Atletico goal, but was harshly adjudged to have pushed Heitinga to the floor.

Two minutes later a goalmouth scramble led to another disallowed Valencia goal - this time for offside - and the hectic tempo continued for the first 20 minutes with a succession of clear-cut chances falling for both sides.

Yet for all the attempts the opening goal came from a 34th minute spot kick by Villa, awarded just 60 seconds after Villa was denied a clear penalty for a blatant shoulder charge by Perea. With the ball coming into the area, Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja performed an extraordinary dive in the penalty box which was inexplicably adjudged to be the result of a foul.

It looked as if the referee was correcting his earlier error, and Villa despatched the penalty into the right corner to give Valencia a deserved lead.

Just five minutes later, Valencia's right-back Luis Miguel played a beautiful pass to release Silva, the playmaker finding just enough space to control the ball and flick a brilliant shot into the far corner from the outside of his left foot.

But as half-time beckoned the referee once again took centre stage, awarding another soft penalty at the other end of the pitch for the contact by Baraja on Sergio Aguero. Forlan scored from the spot to reduce the deficit to one.

Barcelona 3 - 1 Mallorca

2009-01-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

Barcelona take a 13-point lead in La Liga after eventually getting past a solid Mallorca side who looked as if they would give their hosts a scare.

The visitors might be struggling to stay above the relegation zone in the league, but for long periods they defied their illustrious hosts. And it was Mallorca who were first to score in the Nou Camp, a long ball on the counter-attack finding Aritz Aduriz on fifteen minutes.

Another quarter of an hour later, however, Thierry Henry's brilliant individual skill levelled things as Barcelona took control of the game.

Yet the home side couldn't find a way through until Eidur Gudjohnsen and Iniesta beat the offside trap to score with 15 minutes left. Iniesta's finish put an end to the Mallorcans' dream of leaving the Nou Camp with a point before an injury-time goal from Yaya Toure closed things off for good.

The match got off to such a slow start that you began to wonder if the Christmas celebrations had not caught up on Barca's team of superstars. Though they kept the ball as efficiently as usual, they did precious little with it and instead seemed to be assuming that they would ease past their visitors with a minimum of effort.

Yet after just a quarter of an hour Mallorca managed to tear up that comfortable script, as a long ball through found Aduriz. His pace took him clear of the Barca defence, leaving him free to lob Victor Valdes from the edge of the box.

After that, Barca threw everything at Mallorca, with Yaya Toure coming within a whisker of finishing a brilliant build-up before Henry's magnificent finish.

Carles Puyol flicked the ball on from a corner, and though it seemed like it would fly past Henry the Frenchman flung his foot high to control the ball before turning and half-volleying it back across the face of the goal and in off the far post.

After that Barcelona controlled the game for long periods, though Mallorca's defence seemed to be holding solid.

Barcelona 2 - 1 Villareal >>>> All Results

2008-12-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

Ten-man Barcelona re-enforced their lead at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win over fourth-placed Villarreal at El Madrigal.

The hosts took lead just after the interval when Cani took advantage of some poor defending to chip the ball over Victor Valdes.

But two goals in 10 minutes, from Seydou Keita and then Thierry Henry, saw runaway league leaders Barca hit back before Gerard Pique was shown a red card for a second bookable offence.

Barcelona dominated from the start with Henry, in particular, causing trouble for the hosts on the left.

It was the Frenchman who had the lion's share of the chances in the first half, none better than after three minutes, when after a delightful touch by Lionel Messi took a through ball from Xavi right into the path of Henry, who thumped the ball straight at Diego Lopez despite having only the 'keeper to beat.

Henry came close again 10 minutes later when, having received the ball from Eric Abidal on the left wing, he sent a shot across the front of goal which just shaved the right post.

Villarreal's best, and in fact only, chance of the first half came just moments later but Guiseppe Rossi repeated Henry's trick, shaving the right post after releasing a shot just to the left of goal.

Barcelona quickly shut the door on any more Villarreal chances and just for good measure Sergi Busquets sent a bullet of a shot racing towards the top left hand corner of the net that almost beat Lopez, the Spaniard doing brilliantly well to tip the ball behind for a corner.

The frustration got worse for Barcelona just after the interval as Villarreal got themselves on the score sheet within minutes of returning to the field.

Cani ran off the back off Gerard Pique and with only the 'keeper to beat and the Spaniard calmly lifted the ball over Valdes, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Barcelona quickly hit back though when Villarreal were caught napping in defence with Alves putting in looping cross which Keita bravely headed home running straight at the approaching fists of Lopez.

Ten minutes later and Henry finally had the goal he had been threatening all night, toe-poking a Xavi cross home on a first touch volley to give Barca the lead.

The final 20 minutes of the match were characterised by fraying tempers as a number of yellow cards were shown to both sides, including an unlucky Pique who was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence when Villarreal substitute Kahveci Nihat made a meal of a challenge in the air.

Samuel Eto'o, very quiet by his standards throughout the match, seemed to have a decent penalty shout when he went down under a Gonzalo Javier Rodriguez challenge.

But Villarreal were left kicking themselves for failing to capitalise on their one-man advantage as first Nahi and then Diego Godin missed golden chances to grab the equaliser in injury time.

Deportivo Coruna 4-1 Recreative Huelva

Depor's Alberto Lopo stuck out a leg to divert Ze Castro's miscued shot inside the post after nine minutes and Sergio converted a penalty to double the lead in the 20th. Recre pulled one back with an Adrian Colunga penalty three minutes later but an excellent header from Rodolfo Bodipo restored Depor's two-goal lead just before the break. Brazilian defender Filipe broke away to add the fourth at the end.

Numancia 4-3 Real Valladolid

Jose Barkero volleyed Numancia in front on a counter-attack early on but Valladolid levelled through Swedish striker Henok Goitom in the 34th minute. Valladolid were on course for their fifth win in six when Angel Vivar Dorado and Goitom made it 3-1 in the second half before Numancia struck back. Javier del Pino pulled one back in the 79th minute, Carlos Aranda headed the equaliser in the 88th and in time added on Gorka Brit headed the winner at a free kick.

Osasuna 5-2 Getafe

Osasuna swarmed all over Getafe and Czech Republic midfielder Jaroslav Plasil scored at the far post in the seventh minute. Juanfran finished off a swift break in the 34th and Uruguayan Walter Pandiani and Iranian Javad Nekounam added two more before the break. Getafe's Roberto Soldado pulled one back in the 66th and a second at the end, either side of a tap-in from Osasuna's Hector Font. It was Osasuna's second win of the season only.

Racing Santander 1-1 Malaga

Malaga broke the deadlock with a sweeping passing move that ended with French striker Nabil Baha volleying a goal in the 38th minute. Juan Valera levelled for Racing with a header from a corner in the 67th and Malaga's Duda hit the post near the end.

Real Mallorca 0-0 Sevilla

Sevilla failed to lift themselves from their midweek exit from the UEFA Cup putting in a poor display against Mallorca, who ended a run of three straight defeats with this draw.

Sporting Gijon 1-0 Almeria

Sporting's Francisco Maldonado headed the game's only goal after 28 minutes increasing the pressure on Almeria boss Gonzalo Arconada. Almeria have one win from their last 10 matches.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Valencia

2008-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid missed endless chances but still prevailed 1-0 over Valencia in La Liga thanks to a third-minute goal from Gonzalo Higuain.

In the second game on Saturday, Espanyol take on in-form Atletico Madrid. Follow that match by clicking the LIVE link below the picture.

Real Madrid 1-0 Valencia

An early Gonzalo Higuain goal was enough for Real Madrid to beat Valencia 1-0 as the Spanish champions moved, temporarily at least, up into fourth place in La Liga.

Real's Argentine forward scored the only goal in an often thrilling and frantic game. In truth the home side should have finished the game six or seven goals to the good, but a series of horrendous misses from their forward line meant the scoreline was kept respectable for Valencia.

The visitors' task was made more difficult in the second-half following the dismissal of their captain Marchena for a foul, and second yellow card, on Arjen Robben. It was a cruel blow: Marchena scarcely made contact with the diving Dutchman, yet Robben flew to the ground with enough vigour to convince the referee that the skipper had to go.

Playing the first match of the weekend gave Juande Ramos's side the chance to reduce the 12-point deficit on Barcelona at the top of the table. Their defeat in 'El Clasico' last weekend meant that the champions started the weekend in sixth place, four points behind Valencia in second.

For Unai Emery's side, the game was a chance to put their own pressure on the league leaders and they travelled to the capital in high spirits having beaten Real in their last league meeting at the Bernabeu.

It was Real, however, who dominated the early exchanges, and most of the crowd had yet to take their seats before Higuain got his team off to the perfect start in the third minute.

The Argentine collected a pass from the brilliant Robben and let fly, just inside the area, with an unstoppable shot which Renan could do nothing about.

Madrid's Dutchman was in sparkling form, creating chance after chance. Indeed, the former Chelsea favourite should have put his team into the lead twice soon after Higuain's opener. But Renan saved smartly to thwart the first attempt before a second opportunity saw Robben hesitate and the Valencia defence recover.

A Van der Vaart curler onto the post saw Madrid edge closer to a second goal before, gradually, the visitors came back into the game.

Valencia's own flying winger, Joaquin, provided a series of killer passes into the Madrid box only for David Villa to launch the best high into the Bernabeu stand behid the goal.

And it was Villa again who had his team's next promising chance but for Iker Casillas to save smartly low to his right.

The second-half took on a similar pattern with Real looking for an early second goal. But it was Casillas who had to look sharp to deny a powerful Baraja header from six yards after five minutes.

It was a wonderful save but better was to come from Renan shortly afterwards, as he showed tremenduos reflexes to prevent Higuain from rolling the ball into an empty net at the other end.

The miss seemed to dent Higuain's confidence as the striker launched a series of excellent chances wide, high and off the crossbar.

It was towards the final stages that Valencia were reduced to ten men with Marchena's dismissal, and it already looked as if the match was beyond them.

Yet despite the reduction the visitors finished strongly, albeit not strongly enough to deny Madrid their valuable three points. The win puts a halt to their losing league run and moves them to within nine points of Barcelona.

Sévilla 1 - 0 Villareal >>>>> More Results

2008-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Renato Dirnei's goal helped Sevilla stumble past 10-man Villarreal and leapfrog their visitors to go third in La Liga.

Sevilla 1 - 0 Villarreal

Renato's goal at the end of the first half gave Sevilla a deserved 1-0 victory over Villarreal goal at decided the end in a one-sided encounter at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

Renato's goal, which came just seconds before the break, was a well-deserved reward for the home team's work at the end of a dull first half - though the goal when it came had more than a hint of offside about it.

From a corner it looked as if Villarreal had cleared the danger, but Escude headed the ball back to Kanoute, who seemed on the replay to be behind the defence at the time.

Kanoute controlled the ball for the onrushing Renato - also seemingly in an offside position at the critical moment - and the Brazilian dinked a little chip around Lopez's outstretched legs.

It was a pretty finish, and well deserved on the balance of play against a side which scarcely troubled the Sevilla defence from start to finish.

It took the second-half dismissal of Villarreal striker Joseba Llorente, and the subsequent reshaping of the team, to ever make the visitors look like scoring as several counter-attacks presented half-chances for Cazorla and Senna.

Yet as the 10-man side pressed for an equaliser they left gaps at the back that were exploited ruthlessly by Adriano Correia, Sevilla's Brazilian left-winger, who looked relentlessly dangerous throughout.

Adriano found himself unmarked and alone nine yards from goal on 72 minutes, and blasted a drive for what everyone in the stadium though must be the goal to confirm the result.

Everyone, that is, except Lopez in the Villarreal goal. The man who frustrated Manchester United so artfully in this year's Champions League encounters once again wore his magic gloves, saving several shots that looked like nailed-on certainties to lead to goals.

For their part, Sevilla were wasteful of both possession and opportunities. Given their domination of the match - 26 shots to four - they should have won by two or three goals, but time and again the final ball was either too long or too ill-placed for the attackers to latch on.

In the end, Villarreal just didn't have enough legs to compensate for their missing person, and Sevilla stumbled to a one-goal victory that leapfrogs them over their visitors into third place in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Real Betis

Atletico Madrid won a spirited contest against Real Betis thanks to goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Sergio Aguero that puts them ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.

The match got off to an inauspicious start for Betis, who very nearly gifted their hosts two goals in the opening couple of minutes with a collection of defensive mix-ups that almost let first Diego Forlan then Sergio Aguero to score.

Once they settled in, however, Betis gave Atletico a great game of football that could have gone either way. Sergio Garcia was their chief tormentor, time and again running into space that gave him opportunity to shoot.

But it was Atletico who made the best of the ball when they had it. Forlan and Maniche both had great chances, and then on 20 minutes the home side went ahead through a brilliant piece of quick-thinking football.

Aguero played a through ball to a fast-running Maxi Rodriguez, who controlled the ball brilliantly on his chest before smashing a perfect drive into the bottom right corner.

The two coaches patched up the previously open defences at half-time, resulting in a tighter match with fewer chances. Betis went close twice through 'Juanma' Sanchez, but Atletico held on with plenty of men behind the ball and playing on the break.

Their tactic bore fruit on 81 minutes as Aguero latched on to Forlan's quick through ball on the counter.

The 20-year-old made no mistake in beating Casto Espinosa on the right. It gave the home side a flattering but ultimately deserved second goal that put the result beyond any doubt.

Athletic Bilbao 3 - 0 Sporting de Gijon

Fernando Llorente put the home side in front from the penalty spot after only five minutes before Andoni Iraola doubled the lead in the 22nd, scrambling in at a corner.

David Lopez met Fran Yeste's pinpoint cross with a far post volley for the third in the 31st.

Getafe 4 - 1 Mallorca

Getafe's Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche won a dubious penalty which Cosmin Contra converted after 15 minutes, but there was no doubt about Uche's goal in the 31st when he broke clear to finish with a cool lob.

Mallorca pulled one back two minutes later through Aritz Aduriz from close range, but late goals from Manu del Moral and Jaime Gavilan made sure of Mallorca's third consecutive defeat.

Malaga 2 - 0 Numancia

Malaga dominated but failed to breach the visitors' defence until they were awarded a questionable penalty in the 85th minute, which Apono put away.

French striker Nabil Baha broke from the halfway line to make sure of the points at the end.

Valladolid 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna

Jonathan Sesma tipped in Pedro Leon's cross after 15 minutes and Pedro Lopez caught out visiting keeper Daniel Aranzubia from 40 metres with a spectacular looping shot in the 25th.

After the break, Valladolid's Fabian Canobbio had a shot pushed onto the post but soon after Leon made it 3-0, dribbling down the right wing and firing into the far top corner to crown an impressive display.

Recreativo Huelva 1 - 0 Osasuna

Osasuna had a string of chances as they chased their first away win and midway through the second half striker Dady rounded the keeper only to shoot wide of the empty goal.

Huelva earned their first home win six minutes from time when Adrian Colunga raced through to shoot low into the corner.

Almeria 1 - 1 Racing Santander

Racing took the lead after 33 minutes when Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay drilled a shot in the top corner from 25 yards.

Almeria's Peruvian defender Santiago Acasiete smashed a superb volley just under the bar to level in the 62nd, easing the pressure on his coach Gonzalo Arconada. Santander had Mehdi Lacen sent off near the end.
source : www.yahoo.com

Barcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid

2008-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points after late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi gave them a 2-0 home win over Real Madrid in Juande Ramos's first game as manager.

Cameroon striker Eto'o poked the ball over the line after Carles Puyol headed a corner back across goal on 83 minutes.

Messi sealed the win in injury-time after Madrid over-committed men forward and Thierry Henry surged down the right before picking out his strike partner, who lofted the ball deftly over Iker Casillas and beyond the desperate lunge of Fabio Cannavaro.

The result all-but ended Madrid's hopes of launching a title bid and proved that, for all their pretty football, Pep Guardiola's side have the mental strength to grind out wins in big matches.

Until the first goal, Madrid keeper Iker Casillas had turned in a man-of-the-match performance - including a penalty save from Eto'o - as Madrid's oft-criticised defence put their bodies on the line in a desperate attempt to kick-start their floundering domestic season.

Barcelona started the game at a frantic pace and the pre-match nine-point difference between the sides was clear as Real Madrid found themselves launching a rearguard action from the whistle.

Messi was the subject of rough treatment with Michel Salgado, Royston Drenthe and Sergio Ramos all kicking the Argentina star to make their destructive intentions clear.

That did not stop the diminutive playmaker from giving Madrid a torrid time. In the fifth minute he escaped from Cannavaro and Sergio Ramos to drill a low shot across goal that Iker Casillas did well to parry one-handed.

Henry went close with a drive into the side netting and Real had Cannavaro to thank when he manfully blocked Messi after a slick one-two with Eto'o.

All this was before the eighth minute and while Barca's tempo did slow they still had the lion's share of possession.

Yaya Toure and Eric Abidal were almost unlikely scorers for Los Cules but they were denied by desperate defending from the visitors, while Henry saw another shot blocked.

Despite Barca's dominance, Real actually created two of the best chances of the opening 45 minutes.

Before he was replaced for clearly not being fully-fit after injury, a Wesley Sneijder shot forced Victor Valdes to tip the ball onto the bar, while Drenthe should have scored when he raced clear of Daniel Alves but was denied by a brave Valdes save.

Referee Luis Medina Cantalejo lost patience with Madrid's physical approach and there was a flurry of yellow cards shown towards the end of the first half.

The first part of Madrid's job was done though, with Barca frustrated at half-time.

The second period started in a similar fashion. Barcelona controlled possession and created chance after chance but twice Eto'o could not capitalise on Messi's delivery.

Madrid were still dangerous on the break, with Gonzalo Higuain denied by a last-ditch tackle from Carles Puyol after an incisive through-ball by Fernando Gago.

Their game-plan also began to take its toll on the Catalan side. As the game progressed Barca misplaced passes, went for extended spells without instigating a passing move and failed to create chances with the same frequency.

Their frustration spilled over and Rafael Marquez was fortunate not to pick up a second yellow card when he slid late into Raul.

But 20 minutes into the second half, Los Cules found their rhythm again. Suddenly Real were not getting a sniff as their hosts pummelled the Madrid penalty area and were only denied by some phenomenal goalkeeping.

Casillas is the best keeper in Spain and arguably the top shot-stopper in the world and he pulled off a superb 70th-minute penalty save from Eto'o after Salgado brought down Sergio Busquets.

Two minutes later he made a quite incredible double stop from Eto'o and Messi, who thought he had an open goal after his team-mate's low shot was kept out by the Spain keeper.

But it was not to be for Juande Ramos and Real's defence were caught ball-watching when Puyol rose to head the ball into the six-yard box.

Eto'o got a faint touch on the ball, which seemed to cross the line in slow motion as young substitute Miguel Palanca failed to clear the ball.

Real were broken and, as they send men forward in a desperate attempt to grab an equaliser, they afforded Henry the freedom of the right wing to pick out Messi, who had the last laugh in the face of his earlier aggressors.

Madrid are now 12 points behind Real Madrid and could slip down to seventh if results go against them.
source : www.yahoo.com

Real Madrid 3 - 4 Sévilla >>>> More Results

2008-12-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

Renato headed home Frederic Kanoute's right-wing cross to decide a pulsating encounter that saw Madrid reduced to 10 men when Arjen Robben was sent off on 77 minutes.

The result lifted Sevilla above Real Madrid and into fourth place in La Liga, with Bernd Schuster's team dropping to fifth - nine points behind leaders Barcelona, who they face next week.

Sevilla went ahead on six minutes when Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas misjudged a right-wing cross and presented Adriano Correia with a simple tap-in.

But Madrid levelled on 19 minutes, when Raul stooped to head home Guti's free-kick from the right and claim his 302nd goal for Madrid.

Sevilla regained the lead just three minutes later, however, when Romaric headed home Renato's fine cross from the right.

To the astonishment of the home fans, Sevilla went further ahead on 39 minutes. Madrid were caught napping in their own penalty area and Kanoute pounced to calmly slot home.

The second half saw Madrid finally begin to play to their potential. Gonzalo Higuain crashed a superb shot past Andres Palop on 67 minutes to make it 3-2, then Fernando Gago headed home a Guti free-kick to complete a remarkable comeback.

Madrid almost went ahead when Higuain went round Palop and struck the bar with his shot. But the Madrid players thought the goalkeeper had fouled the Argentine and Robben protested so strongly he earned himself a second yellow card and his marching orders.

Sevilla sensed their opportunity against the 10 men of Madrid and when Kanoute found himself in acres of space on the right flank he took his time before picking out the unmarked Renato to head home the winner.

DEPORTIVO CORUNA 2-0 MALAGA

Malaga had Depor on the ropes until Inaki Goitia let Angel Lafita's free kick slip through his hands in the 65th minute.

Mexico striker Omar Bravo theatrically went to ground for a penalty soon after, and secured the win himself from the spot.

NUMANCIA 2-1 ALMERIA

Under-pressure Almeria coach Gonzalo Arconada had an unhappy return to his former club despite Argentine forward Esteban Solari giving the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot.

Javier del Pino levelled after a counter-attack in the 19th minute and Asier Goiria was offside when he netted the winner in the 52nd. Numancia had Jose Barkero sent off in the 68th.

OSASUNA 3-3 REAL VALLADOLID

Osasuna dominated and Portuguese striker Dady headed them into the lead after 17 minutes. Iran midfielder Javad Nekonam doubled the lead with a volley before the break and Dady made it 3-0 in the 57th.

Valladolid's fightback started when Swedish striker Henok Goitom scored from close range on the hour, and then Miguel Flano headed into his own net at a free kick. Bartholomew Ogbeche headed the equaliser from another free kick in the 85th.

RACING SANTANDER 1-1 ATHLETIC BILBAO

Bilbao's Fran Yeste broke the deadlock in the north-coast derby with a deflected free kick in the 49th minute, but they had Pablo Orbaiz sent off in the 77th.

Gonzalo Colsa's cross-cum-shot in the 83rd caught out Gorka Iraizoz as it drifted over him at the back post. Bilbao's Fernando Amorebieta missed an open goal in the last minute.

REAL BETIS 1-1 ESPANYOL

Espanyol hit the woodwork twice in the first half but Betis took the lead when Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana scored his fifth goal in as many games in the 57th minute.

Substitute Ferran Corominas earned a point for new Espanyol coach Mane with a fine piece of skill in the 71st, ending a run of four straight defeats for the visitors.

REAL MALLORCA 2-3 RECREATIVO HUELVA

David Navarro's diving header put Mallorca ahead in the 16th minute but Argentine Marco Ruben's neat finish levelled the scores nine minutes later.

Jurado put Mallorca back in front on a swift break only for Adrian Colunga to equalise again in the 43rd with a well-worked move. Javi Fuego's long-range shot secured new Recre coach Lucas Alcaraz his first win since taking over in early October.
source : www.yahoo.com

Barcelona 4 - 0 Valencia >>>> More Results

2008-12-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

Daniel Alves was also on target for Pep Guardiola's side, who are now unbeaten in 20 matches and six points clear of second-placed Villarreal in the league. Henry put the home side ahead on 20 minutes, racing onto Yaya Toure's pass and lifting the ball over Valencia goalkeeper Bitto Renan. The Frenchman doubled his tally seven minutes later, collecting Alexander Hleb's neat pass inside the box and calmly slotting home to put Barca 2-0 up. Barca went 3-0 ahead barely a minute into the second half, when the influential Xavi sent Alves through on the right. The wing-back gathered himself before firing firmly into the opposite corner. Valencia were not happy, however, as a flag had been raised against Hleb earlier in the move, but it was ignored by the referee. Barca completed the rout on 79 minutes, when substitute Bojan Krkic cut inside from the right and dragged the ball back to provide Henry with a straighforward tap-in to complete his hat-trick. It was another dominant performance from Barcelona, who attacked with real purpose and completely overwhelmed Valencia. The visitors struggled to assert themselves and barely created anything of note.

Villarreal 3-3 Getafe

Villarreal staged a remarkable comeback to draw 3-3 with in-form Getafe at El Madrigal and avoid falling to a second successive home defeat in La Liga. Estaban Granero, Jaime Gavilan and Javier Casquero were on target for the visitors, who led 3-0 inside half an hour to leave Manuel Pellegrini's side stunned. But Robert Pires's fortunate goal on 55 minutes gave Villarreal hope, before late strikes from Sebastian Eguren and Giuseppe Rossi salvaged an unlikely point and kept the home side in touch with league leaders Barcelona.
Getafe entered the match on the back with confidence high after victory over Real Madrid, and went ahead on 10 minutes when Granero chested the ball before firing an exquisite volley into the top corner. Gavilan put the visitors two up soon after, taking Cosmin Contra's right-wing cross on the volley to fire back across goal into the bottom corner.
On 30 minutes Casquero's left-foot shot from the edge of the box beat Diego Lopez and gave mid-table Getafe a 3-0 cushion at the break. But Villarreal would not lie down. On 55 minutes a goalmouth scramble resulted in a bizarre goal for Pires, when a clearance struck the Frenchman on the chest and looped in. The home side pulled another goal back with five minutes remaining when Diego Leal headed back across goal for Eguren to poke home. Their comeback was complete two minutes later, when former Manchester United forward Rossi drove home through a crowd of players to make it 3-3.

Sporting Gijon 2-5 Atletico Madrid

Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan led Atletico Madrid to a 5-2 comeback win at Sporting Gijon in another thriller. Sporting's Mate Bilic scored with a header after four minutes but two minutes later Argentine Aguero controlled the ball on his chest and finished with a spectacular overhead kick. In the pouring rain the Sporting keeper spilled a shot for Aguero to poach his second and Uruguay's Forlan stole the ball off a defender to make it 3-1 in the 57th.
David Barral pulled it back to 3-2 with a thunderous shot before Maxi Rodriguez and Forlan made sure of the win for the visitors. Atletico climbed to fifth with 24 points.

Getafe 3 - 1 Real madrid

2008-11-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

Juan Albin was the star of the show as Getafe beat local rivals Real Madrid 3-1 to make it a miserable return to his former club for Bernd Schuster.

Albin struck twice at the start of each half and also set up substitute Ike Uche for Getafe's third as the small club from the outskirts of Madrid prevented their more illustrious neighbours from moving level with Barcelona at the summit.

Javier Saviola pulled a goal back for Madrid, but the champions can have no complaints about the result and the scoreline could even have been even more embarrassing for Schuster's outclassed side.

Barcelona 1 - 1 Getafe ----------- All results

2008-11-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

Barcelona's run of nine consecutive league victories came to end with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Getafe at Camp Nou. Manu gave the visitors a deserved lead with a fine curling shot midway through the first half before Seydou Keita headed home to appease the frustrated home crowd on 71 minutes. But for once Barcelona could not find a late goal to claim victory and were forced to drop their first points since a 1-1 draw with Racing Santander in early September. The result left Pep Guardiola's team three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, while Getafe remain in the relative safety of 14th. Despite Barca's all-conquering form of late, it was Getafe who started the more confident side, dominating possession in the early exchanges. The visitors went ahead on 19 minutes when Manu collected a deflection off Gerard Pique and curled home a fine shot from 25 yards past Victor Valdes. Sylvinho and Samuel Eto'o went close with long-range efforts in the run-up to half-time, but ultimately Barca went into the break having failed to create a clear-cut opening. The second half brought predictable changes from Guardiola, who introduced Thierry Henry and Pedro to invigorate his lacklustre team Getafe could have doubled lead just after the hour mark, however, when Angel burst into the box before shooting just past the post with only Valdes to beat. But Barca gradually became dominant in midfield, with Xavi and Henry seeing plenty of the ball, and eventually the home side pulled level. Dani Alves was the creator, collecting possession on the right flank and curling over an inviting cross to the unmarked Keita six yards out. The striker headed home with ease to claim his second goal in as many games. The home side could have won the match on 80 minutes, but Roberto Abbondanzieri produced a spectacular stop to deny Pique's powerful header. Numancia 1-1 Atletico Madrid Atletico's Simao Sabrosa laid on the opener for Uruguay's Diego Forlan with a great pass after 35 minutes but Javier Aguirre's team were pegged back in the second half. The home side piled on the pressure and won a penalty in the 94th minute which Jose Barkero calmly put away. Osasuna 3-1 Almeria Striker Alvaro Negredo gave Almeria a sixth-minute lead from the penalty spot but the visitors were thrown onto the back foot two minutes later when Brazilian defender Guilherme was sent off for a reckless challenge. Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani equalised with a looping header in the 13th minute, and Hernan Pellerano headed into his own net in the 71st before Hungarian Krisztian Vadocz wrapped up Osasuna's first league win this season at the end. Racing Santander 3-0 Espanyol Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni failed to collect a free-kick after 11 minutes allowing Ivan Marcano to slot home in a crowded area, and Oscar Serrano doubled Racing's lead when Espanyol's defence only half-cleared a Pedro Munitis cross. A quickly taken free kick led to Jonathan Pereira rounding Kameni for the third goal after the break. Real Mallorca 2-2 Malaga Mallorca's Ivan Ramis diverted a low cross into his own net after 13 minutes but Josemi levelled with a piledriver from outside the area soon after. Malaga's French striker Nabil Baha broke clear to restore the visitors' lead, nutmegging the keeper, but sloppy defending allowed Mallorca's Pierre Webo to poach the equaliser in the 67th minute. Sporting Gijon 1-2 Real Betis Betis keeper Casto Espinosa spilled David Barral's shot for Diego Castro to score after 25 minutes but the visitors stormed back after the break. Argentine defender Luciano Monzon cracked in a spectacular 30-metre free kick off the post in the 52nd and Cameroon's Achille Emana struck from the edge of the area soon after.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Recreativo Huelva ----- Villareal 0 - 3 Valladolid

2008-11-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

Wesley Sneijder earned champions Real Madrid a 1-0 home victory over Recreativo, easing the pressure on coach Bernd Schuster. LIVE NOW: Sevilla v Valencia!!

Sevilla host Valencia at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the late match of the evening. Click on the link under the photo to see the latest action!!

The win took Real second above Villarreal, whose 17-match unbeaten run in the league ended with a surprise 3-0 home defeat by Valladolid.

Real, with 26 points from 12 matches, are two behind Barcelona - who host Getafe on Sunday.

Villarreal are third on 25, two ahead of Valencia and Sevilla currently playing at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Schuster received the public backing of the club at the beginning of the week despite poor recent performances but the side continued to labour against second-bottom Recre.

Dutch midfielder Sneijder scored with a deflected long-range shot after 39 minutes and although the visitors offered little in attack the narrow advantage made for a tense second half.

The home crowd whistled their team off at the end and will have been concerned to see striker Gonzalo Higuain leave the pitch on a stretcher with an ankle problem in the second half, joining Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Fabio Cannavaro on the injury list.
Villarreal started their unbeaten run with a 2-0 home win over Valladolid in April but were always second best at the Madrigal. Jonathan Sesma scored twice and Pedro Leon made it 3-0 from a free kick just before the interval to earn Valladolid their first away points this season.

Real Valladolid 1 - 0 Real Madrid

2008-11-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

The same Valladolid had been crushed 6-0 by Barcelona last weekend and before the game sections of the Spanish media were saying that this could be Schuster's last game if Real lost. That is just what happened as Uruguayan striker Nestor Cannobbio struck a 48th minute winner with an unstoppable left-footed drive. With two recent Champions League losses to Juventus and the midweek Spanish Cup embarrassment to minnows Real Union, Schuster had been under extreme pressure, and the Valladolid loss could be the final nail in his coffin. Real have now won just once in their last six matches in all competitions and the double league champions stay fourth, two points behind leaders Barcelona who have a game in hand. Schuster won the league title in his debut season but it is now up to the Real board to see if they want to extend his 16-month spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. "This was a match we did not think we would lose," Schuster said. "I am calm," he added. "We are working and doing what we have to do." Without the creative Dutch duo of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben both out injured Raul and Gonzalo Higuain started in attack with the latter hoping to build on his four goals against Malaga last weekend. Valladolid were whacked 6-0 by Barcelona last time out and must have feared a Real backlash but Jose Garcia Calvo almost put the hosts ahead with his 12th minute header cleared off the goal line by alert Brazilian defender Marcelo. Higuain then showed a great turn of pace to race clear only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper. At half-time it was scoreless with Schuster cutting a glum figure in the dug-out but the clean sheet was a bonus when you consider that Real had leaked six goals in their last two matches. But three minutes into the second half Valladolid took the lead with a poor pass from Guti gifting possession and Canobbio rifled in past the helpless Iker Casillas. Casillas last kept a clean sheet back on September 21 in a 2-0 win over Racing Santander underlining Real's defensive frailties. Higuain and Wesley Sneijder both went close but captain Raul squandered the best chance with three minutes left shooting at the legs of goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo.

- - -

Valencia also missed the chance to go top, slumping to a 3-2 defeat at home to Sporting Gijon. Sporting, who lost their first four league games, continued their resurgence with a vibrant performance to delight a sizeable contingent of travelling fans. After a cagey opening, Luis Moran gave the visitors the lead on 20 minutes when he broke through the Valencia offside trap and finished low past Renan. Seven minutes into the second half, Sporting doubled their lead when David Barral cut inside from the right, bamboozled Emiliano Moretti with a flurry of stepovers and beat Renan low at his near post. Barral turned villain on 69 minutes when he conceded a penalty with a handball. David Villa made no mistake against his former club, finding the bottom-right corner. Diego Castro made the game safe 10 minutes from time thanks to some more indifferent Valencia defending. He eased Raul Albiol out of the way and prodded home past Renan. Juan Mata set up a frantic finish when he finished smartly from Ruben Baraja's diagonal through-ball, but Sporting held on.

Barcelona 6 - 0 Valladolid

2008-11-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Samuel Eto'o helped Barcelona stay top of the La Liga by scoring four first-half goals as the leaders crushed Valladolid 6-0 at the Nou Camp.

Barca's eighth straight league win gives them 25 points from 10 games, two ahead of champions Real Madrid in second.

Third-placed Villarreal, with 21 points, are at home to Almeria on Sunday when the rest of the Primera Liga fixtures are played.

Eto'o raced through to beat two defenders and open the scoring for Barca in the 12th minute before doubling their lead on the half-hour with a volley after a wonderful flowing move.

He picked up Lionel Messi's pass to round the keeper for the third in the 42nd and slotted home the fourth two minutes later after the Argentina forward's surging run was blocked and the ball broke free for the Cameroon forward.

Eidur Gudjohnsen netted a delicate chip in the 71st and a sublime passing move ended with Aleksandr Hleb squaring for France's Thierry Henry to stab home the sixth near the end.

Real madrid 4 - 3 Malaga

2008-11-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain scored all four goals as Real Madrid came back with 10 men to beat promoted Malaga 4-3 at the Bernabeu.

The injury-hit side were under pressure to appease the Bernabeu faithful who had whistled the team during Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat at home to Juventus.

They got off to a bad start when Malaga's Portuguese midfielder Eliseu dribbled off the wing past two defenders. When his pull-back was fired against the post he put away the rebound.

The home team responded quickly with Higuain netting after Francesc Arnau could only parry Marcelo's shot but a low cross from Duda caught Real defender Gabriel Heinze flat-footed in the 18th minute leaving Malaga striker Nabil Baha free to score.

Higuain came to the rescue from the penalty spot after a handball on the edge of the area, but Real were reduced to 10 men when defender Sergio Ramos stepped on Eliseu's chest after a challenge.

Duda was fouled in the area and Apono drilled home a penalty to restore Malaga's advantage, but the lead only lasted a minute until Higuain beat Arnau from well outside the area.

The home crowd came to life and Higuain was bundled over for a penalty on the counter-attack in the 78th which the 20-year-old put away on the rebound, and both sides came close to adding another goal in the frantic closing stages.

La Liga Spain >>> RESULTS

2008-10-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday October 26 Match

Real Madrid3 - 2Athletic Bilbao
Villarreal4 - 4Atlético de Madrid
Mallorca3 - 0Espanyol
Sevilla0 - 1Málaga
Getafe1 - 0Valladolid
Recreativo Huelva1 - 1Valencia
C.D Numancia2 - 1Racing Santander
Deportivo la Coruna0 - 3Sporting de Gijón

Saturday October 25 Match

Barcelona5 - 0Almeria
Osasuna0 - 2Real Betis Balompié

BARCA 5 - 0 ALMERIA

2008-10-26T04:20:00.001-07:00

Barcelona 5 - 0 Almeria --- Betis 2 - 0 Osasuna

2008-10-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

For the second time in four days Barcelona scored five early goals to wrap up a match. After the midweek win in Basel, this Saturday they beat Almería 5-0 to head up the table pending Sunday's games. All the goals this time came in the first half, with Eto'o opening the scoring in the fifth minute after Carlos García could only head Touré Yayá's pass up in to his path.

Henry turned in the second from Messi's cross, and a rapid passing move between Iniesta and Xavi set up Eto'o for the third. Eto'o completed his hat-trick with a clever back-heel after a great run by Messi, and a frustrated Negredo got himself sent off for an aggressive tackle on Márquez before Dani Alvés drilled a long free kick past his namesake to wrap things up.

Earlier in the evening Betis won 0-2 at Osasuna, a result which left the Pamplona based side further down in the drop zone without a win to their name all season. Ezquerro could have given them the lead though in the first half had he not had a goal ruled out for a dubious offside, but a poor defensive wall let through a Mehmet Aurelio free kick to put the visitors ahead five minutes after the restart. And Pavone rubbed salt in the wound late on when he scrambled the ball in to the net after Ricardo had spilled Emaná's wide free kick, ensuring a victory which takes the Andalusians safely up to mid-table. (25.10.08)

La Liga spain Day 7 Results

2008-10-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

An action packed derby saw Real Madrid win 1-2 against Atlético Madrid thanks to a last second penalty. Bernd Schuster's side took the lead when Van Nistelrooy beat Leo Franco with less than a minute on the clock, and they could have gone further ahead when Sneijder hit the bar and Van Nistelrooy had a goal disallowed for a borderline offside. Perea and Van Nistelrooy were both sent off for aggressive tackles before the break, but Simao appeared to have saved a point for the locals when he equalised in the last minute of normal time. However the visitors were awarded a spot kick in injury time after Heitinga brought down Drenthe, and Higuaín drilled a shot past Leo Franco to take his side up to second.

Villarreal are in first place though pending Sunday's games after a 0-0 draw at Espanyol. Llorente and Rossi went close for the visitors in the first half, but Tamudo had a goal ruled out for offside and Diego López did well to save from De la Peña at the other end. The locals were awarded a penalty midway through the second half when Capdevila fouled Tamudo on the edge of the area, but the visiting keeper saved Tamudo's spot kick. And Kameni also had a couple of stops to make from Pires and Senna before the referee called it quits. (18.10.08)

Valladolid 1-1 Recreativo

Málaga 2-1 Getafe

Almería 0-1 Sevilla

Athletic 0-1 Barcelona

Atlético 1-2 R Madrid

Espanyol 0-0 Villarreal

Betis 3-0 Mallorca

Sporting 2-1 Osasuna

Racing 0-0 Deportivo

Valencia 4-0 Numancia

Day 7 - Oct 19

Real Madrid 2 - 2 Espanyol

2008-10-06T01:20:00.000-07:00

Goals: Raul (24th, 44th) for Real and Tamudo (21e, sp), Garcia Fernandez (31st) for Espanyol

Match of the 6th day of the Liga between Real Madrid and Espanyol ended with an astonishing result, since the Catalans have managed the feat of coming to a point at Santiago Bernabeu. A feat which had been conducted for 12 seasons! And in addition, visitors have always led to the score. While the previous two seasons, Espanyol had also opened the scoring but was eventually bow.

This year's scenario repeated itself with the opening score on penalty by Tamudo (0-1 sp, 22nd). Raul almost equalizing in the wake of a superb header (1-1, 25th). The Madrid appears to be left to win their duel as to their habits but Luis Garcia only the second pole giving the advantage to visitors (1-2, 31st). In the judgments of Thursday, Raul was responsible for equalizing a second time (2-2, 45th +2), history to resume the second period on a good foundation.

Upon resumption, despite a clear domination, Real faces an excellent Kameni in the goals. Absent land since August, Sneijder on his back 25 minutes from the end and will not be the savior of his team when hitting the last kick of the match (90th +1). Through this tie, Espanyol put an end to the series of impressive victories Madrid 6 in a row, all competitions combined. On the derby against Atlético at the next day may be the ideal time for Real to pull itself together.

Braca 6 - 1 Athletico Madrid

2008-10-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Goals: Marquez (3rd), Eto'o (sp 5th, 18th), Messi (8th), Gudjohnsen (28th), Henry (74th) to Barcelona and Rodriguez (13th) for the Atletico

Between Barça of Messi and Atletico Madrid Agüero, the Argentine star wars did not happen. Once again decisive, the first confirmed what the world of football already knew: it's on another planet. The second executioner of Marseille (2-1) in Champions League, has meanwhile released half an hour of the term. The head low, without creating any occasion. At home, the Blaugrana have offered a recital (5-1), punctuated by five goals in twenty-eight minutes. An evening gala that allows them to temporarily take the 2nd place, three lengths Villarreal, winner earlier Betis of Seville (2-1). Since the beginning of the season, benefits Catalan frankly had nothing to excite the public demanding Camp Nou. The copy made Saturday night will no doubt silence the skeptics. Indeed, the protected Pep Guardiola have not had to force their talent. Because the image of Grégory Coupet, the people of Madrid were apathetic and febrile defensively. According to the rotation policy established by Javier Aguirre, it is the French doorman who replaced Leo Franco in the goals. The former Lyonnais would have probably preferred to stay on the bench. In less than half an hour, he bowed five times. Bowing under the furia offensive deployment by Barcelona recovered, confident of their game, confident of their collective strength. A corner taken by Marquez victory at the 4th minute, a penalty of Eto'o (6th) and a free kick from malicious Messi (8th) were enough to make folding Matelassiers, who had only one jump in their deep sleep: a wonder strike wrapped Rodriguez, who took advantage of a lax marking a bit to find the window Valdez (1-3, 13th). The result? A demonstration of Barça, whose every move would result in a huge danger to the cage Coupet. The now ex-international bowed two times before the break. Mystifié by a subtle hook Eto'o at the 18th (4-1). Left to itself about the purpose of Gudjonhsen ten minutes later (5-1). The addition would have been much more salt if Iniesta had found the post twice. After a first act of rare intensity, the second course was more dull. Entered into play in place of an elusive Eto'o, Henry took advantage of still broad largesse offered by the Madrid defense to afford his 2nd goal of the season, after a collective action by large class (6 -1). For Barça, the evening turned the demonstration. For Atletico, it turned into a nightmare.

Villareal 2 - 1 Betis

2008-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Goals: Rodriguez (68th), Llorente (70th) for Villarreal and Damia (20th) for Betis

Villarreal, Betis difficult winner of Seville, took only the head of the Championship of Spain. Villarreal, with 16 points, three lengths ahead of Valencia and four out of the Real, double title holder. Led 1-0 since the 20th minute and the opening score by Damia for Sevillians, Villarreal has had his salvation purposes only signed Rodriguez (68th) and Llorente (70th) during the last 25 minutes of a meeting very committed (10 yellow cards, five for each team and six second period). Villarreal, painful winner (1-0) Glasgow Celtic in the Champions League, has aligned September meetings without defeat, all competitions combined. It confirms a little over his outsider status in the fight for the title between "major" de la Liga: Real, Barcelona and Valencia.

Valencia 4 - 2 Deportivo

2008-09-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Goals: Mata (35th), Joaquin (68th), Villa (49th, 81st) for Valencia. Moretti (11th CSC), Lafita'85e) to La Coruna.

FC Valencia took over the top of the Championship of Spain. The club David Villa, which has the same number of points (13) that Villarreal (1-0 in Gijon, the red lantern), a very badly him home, Moretti who opened the scoring in deceiving his own goalkeeper (11th). But his teammates wanted to wash the affront, and reassure, as soon as possible. And Mata, the first (35th), followed by Villa (49th), Joaquin (69th) and Villa again (82nd) have silenced the whims of men from La Coruna. The purpose of Lafita (85th) for the visitors did not alter the final outcome. Villa also had the opportunity to take only the top of the goalscorers (6th). "I'm happy to be head coach reacted valencian Unai Emery. But more important is the regularity and progression of the team. We do not know our limits because we are early in the season."

Athletico Madrid 0 - 1 Sévilla

2008-09-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

FC Sevilla has won a victory when logic shock of the 5th day of the Liga face of Atletico Madrid (0-1), the next opponent Marseille C1. Valencia has a mouthful of La Coruna (4-2) with a new David Villa doubled to stay ahead of the championship.

The Atletico is not invincible. The club phocéen opponent Wednesday in the Champions League, simply impressive since the start of the season, conceded its first defeat of the season at home facing an excellent team of FC Seville. A setback quite logical because the teammates Grégory Coupet fell on an Andalusian team inspired and very well organized. It is in the 21st minute as the game switches. Luis Fabiano opened the scoring with a superb free kick that Grégory Coupet can only scratched. Sevilla lead 1-0 then. A deserved advantage and kept until the final whistle.

Helpless, teammates Florent Sinama-Pongolle have been hampered throughout the game by the speed of the two wingers Seville Capel, left, and Jesus Navas, right. What give ideas to Eric Gerets ... Too drafts, players of Atletico Madrid have never really had the opportunity to endanger Palop, the goalkeeper of FC Sevilla. The Andalusian club performs a beautiful operation in rank up to fourth place in the Liga. For Atletico, now seventh, it is the first stop hit of the season. A bad night also marked by two new injuries, and those of Seitaridis Banega.

ESPANYOL 1 - 2 FC BARCELONE

2008-09-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Goals: Corominas (19th) for Espanyol - Henry (75th), Eto'o (90th sp) for FC Barcelona.

Led to the score, FC Barcelona has reversed the situation to win the derby in the field of Espanyol (1-2) at the 5th day. Villarreal has retained the lead in winning in Gijon (0-1). Real Madrid, who went beat Betis Seville (1-2) is second.

SPORTING GIJON - VILLARREAL : 0-1

Goals : rossi (65 e)

BETIS SEVILLE 1 - 2 REAL MADRID

2008-09-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Goals: Garcia (54th sp) for Betis - Heinze (18th), Van Nistelrooy (89th) for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid, reduced to ten after excluding Marcelo, beat the Betis Seville 2-1 through a goal from Van Nistelrooy in injury time. The doubles title holders, second to a point of the "yellow submarine", have opened the scoring by Gabriel Heinze (19th) during a first period hit (Van de Vaart and Marcelo warned) but controlled by men Bernd Schuster. The people of Madrid, before the flamboyant red lantern Gijon (7-1) Wednesday, lost their football with the exception of Marcelo for a fault in its surface (54th).

Garcia, who will also be excluded at the end of the game, did not even pray for taking over the penalty pushed away by the keeper Casillas. The match referee excited and went out yellow cards (Casillas, Pavone) and red (Garcia) to restore calm. Finally, Van Nistelrooy gave in extremis three points of victory to his close by scoring despite a defender and the keeper of local output. With this fourth success in five matches Liga, Real can fly with peace of mind in Russia to face Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League.

Liga - Real Atomic

2008-09-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

At the 4th day of the Liga, Real Madrid detonated defending Gijon (7-1). Winner of Santander (2-0), Villarreal is provisionally in the lead. With a doubling of Sinama-Pongolle, the Atletico was imposed in Getafe (1-2) and the second highest peak. Barcelona played with fire.

REAL MADRID - SPORTING GIJON : 7-1

Goals: Van der Vaart (17th, 32nd, 47th), Higuain (36th), Robben (50th) and Raul (58th, 63rd) for Real - Mateo (53rd) for Gijon Seven goals and registered a third consecutive victory in League: Real Madrid has experienced an evening full face an opponent, it is true, in full drift. Already suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat to face Barcelona at the previous day, Sporting Gijon simply could not compete for points in Santiago Bernabeu. Van der Vaart was the meeting of its mark by offering a triple (18th, 34th, 47th), which registered a goal through a subtle talonnade. The success of Merengue was collective. Higuain (36th), Robben (51st) and especially Raul, author of a double and a ladle after a one-two with Saviola (56th, 64th), complete the work. Mateo still reduced the score (53rd). Nevertheless insufficient to console such a slap. Nineteen goals against, points a meter still not released: Gijon must regroup quickly. No obvious while Villarreal is on the horizon. For its part, Real will be wary not to fall into over-confidence at a perilous trip on the lawn of the Betis Seville on Saturday.

FC BARCELONE - BETIS SEVILLE : 3-2

Goals: Eto'o (16th, 23rd) and Gudjohnsen (80th) to Barcelona - Monzon (59th) and Romero (62nd) for Betis Barcelona recorded its first win of the season at home Betis to face (3-2), thanks to a doubling of Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o, who is now a hundred goals in the colors blaugrana, and a goal of saving for Gudjohnsen Ten minutes from the end. The Betis, yet led 0-2 at half time, was back in the game thanks to the achievements of Monzon and Jose Mari. With this success, Barcelona back to 5th place ranking.

GETAFE - ATLETICO MADRID : 1-2

Goals: Albin (75th) for Getafe - Sinama-Pongolle (30th, 82nd) for the Atletico In the Madrid derby between Atletico and Getafe, Marseille next opponent Wednesday in Champions League, teammates Florent Sinama-Pongolle, author's purpose and 4th best scorer of the Liga, were imposed from outside 2 -- 1, and pointing to 3rd place ranking.

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Racing Santander

2008-09-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Not really convincing, the Real Madrid left Santander with the victory (2-0) at the 3rd day. Valencia took the lead in the rankings ahead of Osasuna. Barcelona crushed (6-1) Sporting Gijon.

SPORTING GIJON - FC BARCELONE : 1-6

Goals: Xavi (27th), Eto'o (33rd), Jorge (48th CSC), Iniesta (69th), Messi (85, 88th) to Barcelona - Maldonado (50th) to Barcelona Upset to have to wait until the 3rd day to sign its first victory, FC Barcelona went over Sporting Gijon 6 to 1, with a doubling of Messi (85th, 89th) and goals signed Xavi (27th), Eto'o (32nd), Jorge against his camp (49th) and Iniesta (70th). The Barcelona back to the 9th place, just two lengths of Real.

Real Madrid first 3 points

2008-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

REAL MADRID - NUMANCIA: 4-3

Goals: Guti (19th), Higuain (26th), van der Vaart (33rd) and Cisma (40th, CSC) for Real Madrid - Moreno (7th, 57) and Barkero (22nd) for Numancia

The double champion title in Spain, Real Madrid, beaten on the first day (by Deportivo La Coruna), has had to fight at home to sign its first successful face Numancia, tombeur FC Barcelona a fortnight ago. At the end of a festival offensive, Real won 4-3 but was conducted to score twice (1-0 and 2-1) by the promotion. Guti, captain in the absence of Raul (alternate), was honoured by equalizing the first time to mark the 5000th goal of Real Madrid in Liga.

Real madrid 4 - 3 Numancia Van Der Vaart GOAL

2008-09-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid 3-2 Numancia, Van Der Vart
envoyé par DavidGaay

FC BARCELONE - RACING SANTANDER : 1-1

2008-09-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

After his defeat at Numancia (1-0) opens, FC Barcelona was held in check on his land by Santander (1-1) at the 2nd day of Liga. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid was surprised to Valladolid (2-1) and abandons its leading position with FC Seville who broke Gijon (4-3).

As Soria against the promoted Numancia (defeat 1-0) at the opening of the Liga, Barcelona dominated but too messy. The spectators at Camp Nou, unhappy to see their team skate, left the stadium in whistling and waving a few newspapers or handkerchiefs. After international matches and in view of the 1st day of the Champions League next week, the coach Josep Guardiola had not attracted the french striker Thierry Henry and had left on the substitutes' bench Argentina Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta Spaniards and Bojan Krkic. The three came into the game and Messi had opened the scoring by converting a penalty (71st). The Racing, which had very few opportunities, equalized on a free kick by Garay hijacked by Pereira (77th).

VALLADOLID - ATLETICO MADRID : 2-1

Buts: Dorado (4e), Baraja (28e) pour Valladolid - Kun Agüero (54e) pour l'Atletico

FC SEVILLE - SPORTING GIJON : 4-3

Buts : Chevanton (22e), Kanoute (36e, 60e) et Maresca (37e) pour Séville - Bilic (18e, 19e, 44e sp) pour Gijon

La Liga 2008/2009 Preview

2008-09-02T04:29:00.002-07:00

Primera Division (La Liga) is the highest level of the Spanish professional football. There are a total of 20 teams and each team plays a season 38-game schedule consisting of two matches against each of the 19 other teams at home and outside. As in all European football leagues, there are three points for a win, one for a tie and no points of the loss. But if teams are level on points, total score between these two clubs determines the overall standings before goal difference. If three or more teams are tied, then the combined face-to-head record the fair tied teams will be used to determine the final decision on these clubs.

The team has accumulated the most points at the end of the season is declared Primera Division champions. The four clubs qualified for the Champions League, with the first two directly into the group. The fifth and sixth place teams and King's Cup winners are qualified for the UEFA Cup. The 18th, 19th and 20th placed teams in the Primera Division are automatically relegated, while the three of the Spanish Second Division promotion. Teams reserve Primera clubs (called Team B) May also play in the second division, but could not be promoted to Spanish top flight.

Valencia vs Mallorca Highlights

2008-09-02T04:29:00.001-07:00

1st Day Results

2008-09-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

1^ère journée

Saturday 30 août 2008
FC Valence - Majorque 3-0
Espanyol - Valladolid 1-0

Sunday 31 août 2008
Athletic Bilbao - U.D Almería 1-3
Atlético Madrid - Málaga 4-0
Betis Séville - Recreativo Huelva 0-1
Sporting De Gijón - Getafe C.F 1-2
Santander - FC Séville 1-1
C.D Numancia - FC Barcelone 1-0
Osasuna - Villarreal 1-1
La Corogne - Real Madrid 2-1

Real Madrid 1 - 2 Deportivo

2008-09-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Barcelona 0 - 1 Numancia

2008-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Calendar Liga 2008-2009 Spanish 1st division

2008-09-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Journée 1
Dimanche 31 Août 2008

Numancia	-	Barcelone
Sporting Gijon	-	Getafe
Espanyol B.	-	R. Valladolid
Atl. Bilbao	-	Almeria
Osasuna	-	Villarreal
La Corogne	-	Real Madrid
Valence	-	Majorque
Atl. Madrid	-	Malaga
R. Santander	-	FC Seville
Betis Seville	-	R. Huelva

Journée 2
Dimanche 14 Septembre 2008

Real Madrid	-	Numancia
FC Seville	-	Sporting Gijon
Getafe	-	Betis Seville
Majorque	-	Osasuna
Barcelone	-	R. Santander
Malaga	-	Atl. Bilbao
Villarreal	-	La Corogne
R. Valladolid	-	Atl. Madrid
Almeria	-	Valence
R. Huelva	-	Espanyol B.

Journée 3
Dimanche 21 Septembre 2008

La Corogne	-	Majorque
Almeria	-	Malaga
Betis Seville	-	FC Seville
Valence	-	Osasuna
Sporting Gijon	-	Barcelone
Atl. Madrid	-	R. Huelva
Atl. Bilbao	-	R. Valladolid
Espanyol B.	-	Getafe
Numancia	-	Villarreal
R. Santander	-	Real Madrid

Journée 4
Mercredi 24 Septembre 2008

Osasuna	-	La Corogne
Getafe	-	Atl. Madrid
Malaga	-	Valence
FC Seville	-	Espanyol B.
Majorque	-	Numancia
Real Madrid	-	Sporting Gijon
Barcelone	-	Betis Seville
R. Huelva	-	Atl. Bilbao
Villarreal	-	R. Santander
R. Valladolid	-	Almeria

Journée 5
Dimanche 28 Septembre 2008

Espanyol B.	-	Barcelone
Almeria	-	R. Huelva
Malaga	-	R. Valladolid
Atl. Bilbao	-	Getafe
Sporting Gijon	-	Villarreal
Betis Seville	-	Real Madrid
Valence	-	La Corogne
R. Santander	-	Majorque
Atl. Madrid	-	FC Seville
Numancia	-	Osasuna

Journée 6
Dimanche 5 Octobre 2008

La Corogne	-	Numancia
Majorque	-	Sporting Gijon
Villarreal	-	Betis Seville
FC Seville	-	Atl. Bilbao
Osasuna	-	R. Santander
Getafe	-	Almeria
Barcelone	-	Atl. Madrid
R. Valladolid	-	Valence
Real Madrid	-	Espanyol B.
R. Huelva	-	Malaga

Journée 7
Dimanche 19 Octobre 2008

Betis Seville	-	Majorque
Almeria	-	FC Seville
Valence	-	Numancia
Sporting Gijon	-	Osasuna
Atl. Bilbao	-	Barcelone
R. Valladolid	-	R. Huelva
Espanyol B.	-	Villarreal
Malaga	-	Getafe
Atl. Madrid	-	Real Madrid
R. Santander	-	La Corogne

Journée 8
Dimanche 26 Octobre 2008

Getafe	-	R. Valladolid
Villarreal	-	Atl. Madrid
R. Huelva	-	Valence
Majorque	-	Espanyol B.
FC Seville	-	Malaga
La Corogne	-	Sporting Gijon
Osasuna	-	Betis Seville
Real Madrid	-	Atl. Bilbao
Numancia	-	R. Santander
Barcelone	-	Almeria

Journée 9
Dimanche 2 Novembre 2008

Malaga	-	Barcelone
Espanyol B.	-	Osasuna
Valence	-	R. Santander
R. Huelva	-	Getafe
Atl. Bilbao	-	Villarreal
Almeria	-	Real Madrid
Betis Seville	-	La Corogne
Atl. Madrid	-	Majorque
R. Valladolid	-	FC Seville
Sporting Gijon	-	Numancia

Journée 10
Dimanche 9 Novembre 2008

R. Santander	-	Sporting Gijon
FC Seville	-	R. Huelva
Numancia	-	Betis Seville
Majorque	-	Atl. Bilbao
Barcelone	-	R. Valladolid
Villarreal	-	Almeria
Osasuna	-	Atl. Madrid
Getafe	-	Valence
La Corogne	-	Espanyol B.
Real Madrid	-	Malaga

Journée 11
Dimanche 16 Novembre 2008

Atl. Madrid	-	La Corogne
Almeria	-	Majorque
Getafe	-	FC Seville
Espanyol B.	-	Numancia
R. Huelva	-	Barcelone
Valence	-	Sporting Gijon
Betis Seville	-	R. Santander
Atl. Bilbao	-	Osasuna
Malaga	-	Villarreal
R. Valladolid	-	Real Madrid

Journée 12
Dimanche 23 Novembre 2008

Numancia	-	Atl. Madrid
FC Seville	-	Valence
R. Santander	-	Espanyol B.
Majorque	-	Malaga
Real Madrid	-	R. Huelva
La Corogne	-	Atl. Bilbao
Sporting Gijon	-	Betis Seville
Barcelone	-	Getafe
Villarreal	-	R. Valladolid
Osasuna	-	Almeria

Journée 13
Dimanche 30 Novembre 2008

FC Seville	-	Barcelone
Espanyol B.	-	Sporting Gijon
Valence	-	Betis Seville
Malaga	-	Osasuna
Atl. Madrid	-	R. Santander
R. Huelva	-	Villarreal
Getafe	-	Real Madrid
Almeria	-	La Corogne
R. Valladolid	-	Majorque
Atl. Bilbao	-	Numancia

Journée 14
Dimanche 7 Décembre 2008

Majorque	-	R. Huelva
R. Santander	-	Atl. Bilbao
Osasuna	-	R. Valladolid
Villarreal	-	Getafe
Sporting Gijon	-	Atl. Madrid
Numancia	-	Almeria
Barcelone	-	Valence
Betis Seville	-	Espanyol B.
La Corogne	-	Malaga
Real Madrid	-	FC Seville

Journée 15
Dimanche 14 Décembre 2008

R. Valladolid	-	La Corogne
Getafe	-	Majorque
Valence	-	Espanyol B.
Malaga	-	Numancia
Atl. Madrid	-	Betis Seville
Atl. Bilbao	-	Sporting Gijon
Almeria	-	R. Santander
R. Huelva	-	Osasuna
FC Seville	-	Villarreal
Barcelone	-	Real Madrid

Journée 16
Dimanche 21 Décembre 2008

Espanyol B.	-	Atl. Madrid
Real Madrid	-	Valence
R. Santander	-	Malaga
Majorque	-	FC Seville
La Corogne	-	R. Huelva
Betis Seville	-	Atl. Bilbao
Villarreal	-	Barcelone
Osasuna	-	Getafe
Numancia	-	R. Valladolid
Sporting Gijon	-	Almeria

Journée 17
Dimanche 4 Janvier 2009

Almeria	-	Betis Seville
Malaga	-	Sporting Gijon
R. Valladolid	-	R. Santander
FC Seville	-	Osasuna
Real Madrid	-	Villarreal
Getafe	-	La Corogne
Valence	-	Atl. Madrid
Barcelone	-	Majorque
Atl. Bilbao	-	Espanyol B.
R. Huelva	-	Numancia

Journée 18
Dimanche 11 Janvier 2009

R. Santander	-	R. Huelva
Atl. Madrid	-	Atl. Bilbao
Osasuna	-	Barcelone
Numancia	-	Getafe
Sporting Gijon	-	R. Valladolid
Espanyol B.	-	Almeria
Valence	-	Villarreal
Majorque	-	Real Madrid
Betis Seville	-	Malaga
La Corogne	-	FC Seville

Journée 19
Dimanche 18 Janvier 2009

Atl. Bilbao	-	Valence
Villarreal	-	Majorque
Malaga	-	Espanyol B.
FC Seville	-	Numancia
R. Valladolid	-	Betis Seville
R. Huelva	-	Sporting Gijon
Getafe	-	R. Santander
Real Madrid	-	Osasuna
Barcelone	-	La Corogne
Almeria	-	Atl. Madrid

Journée 20
Dimanche 25 Janvier 2009

Real Madrid	-	La Corogne
Malaga	-	Atl. Madrid
Majorque	-	Valence
R. Valladolid	-	Espanyol B.
Barcelone	-	Numancia
Getafe	-	Sporting Gijon
R. Huelva	-	Betis Seville
Villarreal	-	Osasuna
FC Seville	-	R. Santander
Almeria	-	Atl. Bilbao

Journée 21
Dimanche 1 Fevrier 2009

R. Santander	-	Barcelone
Betis Seville	-	Getafe
Atl. Madrid	-	R. Valladolid
Valence	-	Almeria
La Corogne	-	Villarreal
Numancia	-	Real Madrid
Osasuna	-	Majorque
Atl. Bilbao	-	Malaga
Sporting Gijon	-	FC Seville
Espanyol B.	-	R. Huelva

Journée 22
Dimanche 8 Fevrier 2009

Villarreal	-	Numancia
Barcelone	-	Sporting Gijon
FC Seville	-	Betis Seville
R. Valladolid	-	Atl. Bilbao
Real Madrid	-	R. Santander
Malaga	-	Almeria
Majorque	-	La Corogne
R. Huelva	-	Atl. Madrid
Osasuna	-	Valence
Getafe	-	Espanyol B.

Journée 23
Dimanche 15 Fevrier 2009

Numancia	-	Majorque
Valence	-	Malaga
Espanyol B.	-	FC Seville
La Corogne	-	Osasuna
Betis Seville	-	Barcelone
Atl. Bilbao	-	R. Huelva
Almeria	-	R. Valladolid
Atl. Madrid	-	Getafe
R. Santander	-	Villarreal
Sporting Gijon	-	Real Madrid

Journée 24
Dimanche 22 Fevrier 2009

FC Seville	-	Atl. Madrid
La Corogne	-	Valence
Barcelone	-	Espanyol B.
R. Valladolid	-	Malaga
Osasuna	-	Numancia
Villarreal	-	Sporting Gijon
Real Madrid	-	Betis Seville
Getafe	-	Atl. Bilbao
Majorque	-	R. Santander
R. Huelva	-	Almeria

Journée 25
Dimanche 1 Mars 2009

Atl. Madrid	-	Barcelone
Malaga	-	R. Huelva
Valence	-	R. Valladolid
Almeria	-	Getafe
Betis Seville	-	Villarreal
Espanyol B.	-	Real Madrid
Numancia	-	La Corogne
Sporting Gijon	-	Majorque
Atl. Bilbao	-	FC Seville
R. Santander	-	Osasuna

Journée 26
Dimanche 8 Mars 2009

Getafe	-	Malaga
Osasuna	-	Sporting Gijon
Majorque	-	Betis Seville
Barcelone	-	Atl. Bilbao
La Corogne	-	R. Santander
FC Seville	-	Almeria
R. Huelva	-	R. Valladolid
Real Madrid	-	Atl. Madrid
Numancia	-	Valence
Villarreal	-	Espanyol B.

Journée 27
Dimanche 15 Mars 2009

Espanyol B.	-	Majorque
Malaga	-	FC Seville
R. Santander	-	Numancia
Betis Seville	-	Osasuna
Almeria	-	Barcelone
Valence	-	R. Huelva
Atl. Madrid	-	Villarreal
R. Valladolid	-	Getafe
Atl. Bilbao	-	Real Madrid
Sporting Gijon	-	La Corogne

Journée 28
Dimanche 22 Mars 2009

Majorque	-	Atl. Madrid
R. Santander	-	Valence
Osasuna	-	Espanyol B.
Barcelone	-	Malaga
Numancia	-	Sporting Gijon
Getafe	-	R. Huelva
La Corogne	-	Betis Seville
Villarreal	-	Atl. Bilbao
FC Seville	-	R. Valladolid
Real Madrid	-	Almeria

Journée 29
Dimanche 5 Avril 2009

R. Valladolid	-	Barcelone
Atl. Madrid	-	Osasuna
Sporting Gijon	-	R. Santander
Valence	-	Getafe
Almeria	-	Villarreal
Malaga	-	Real Madrid
Espanyol B.	-	La Corogne
Atl. Bilbao	-	Majorque
R. Huelva	-	FC Seville
Betis Seville	-	Numancia

Journée 30
Dimanche 12 Avril 2009

Barcelone	-	R. Huelva
Osasuna	-	Atl. Bilbao
R. Santander	-	Betis Seville
FC Seville	-	Getafe
Real Madrid	-	R. Valladolid
Majorque	-	Almeria
La Corogne	-	Atl. Madrid
Sporting Gijon	-	Valence
Numancia	-	Espanyol B.
Villarreal	-	Malaga

Journée 31
Dimanche 19 Avril 2009

Atl. Bilbao	-	La Corogne
Malaga	-	Majorque
Valence	-	FC Seville
Atl. Madrid	-	Numancia
Getafe	-	Barcelone
Betis Seville	-	Sporting Gijon
Espanyol B.	-	R. Santander
Almeria	-	Osasuna
R. Valladolid	-	Villarreal
R. Huelva	-	Real Madrid

Journée 32
Mercredi 22 Avril 2009

Betis Seville	-	Valence
Sporting Gijon	-	Espanyol B.
Osasuna	-	Malaga
Barcelone	-	FC Seville
Villarreal	-	R. Huelva
Numancia	-	Atl. Bilbao
Majorque	-	R. Valladolid
Real Madrid	-	Getafe
R. Santander	-	Atl. Madrid
La Corogne	-	Almeria

Journée 33
Dimanche 26 Avril 2009

Valence	-	Barcelone
Atl. Madrid	-	Sporting Gijon
Espanyol B.	-	Betis Seville
R. Valladolid	-	Osasuna
Atl. Bilbao	-	R. Santander
Getafe	-	Villarreal
FC Seville	-	Real Madrid
Malaga	-	La Corogne
R. Huelva	-	Majorque
Almeria	-	Numancia

Journée 34
Dimanche 3 Mai 2009

Osasuna	-	R. Huelva
Sporting Gijon	-	Atl. Bilbao
Real Madrid	-	Barcelone
Majorque	-	Getafe
La Corogne	-	R. Valladolid
R. Santander	-	Almeria
Betis Seville	-	Atl. Madrid
Espanyol B.	-	Valence
Numancia	-	Malaga
Villarreal	-	FC Seville

Journée 35
Dimanche 10 Mai 2009

R. Huelva	-	La Corogne
FC Seville	-	Majorque
Atl. Madrid	-	Espanyol B.
R. Valladolid	-	Numancia
Atl. Bilbao	-	Betis Seville
Almeria	-	Sporting Gijon
Malaga	-	R. Santander
Getafe	-	Osasuna
Barcelone	-	Villarreal
Valence	-	Real Madrid

Journée 36
Dimanche 17 Mai 2009

Villarreal	-	Real Madrid
Atl. Madrid	-	Valence
Sporting Gijon	-	Malaga
Osasuna	-	FC Seville
Numancia	-	R. Huelva
Espanyol B.	-	Atl. Bilbao
Majorque	-	Barcelone
La Corogne	-	Getafe
R. Santander	-	R. Valladolid
Betis Seville	-	Almeria

Journée 37
Dimanche 24 Mai 2009

Malaga	-	Betis Seville
R. Valladolid	-	Sporting Gijon
R. Huelva	-	R. Santander
Barcelone	-	Osasuna
FC Seville	-	La Corogne
Atl. Bilbao	-	Atl. Madrid
Villarreal	-	Valence
Real Madrid	-	Majorque
Almeria	-	Espanyol B.
Getafe	-	Numancia

Journée 38
Dimanche 31 Mai 2009

Sporting Gijon	-	R. Huelva
Valence	-	Atl. Bilbao
La Corogne	-	Barcelone
R. Santander	-	Getafe
Betis Seville	-	R. Valladolid
Atl. Madrid	-	Almeria
Majorque	-	Villarreal
Osasuna	-	Real Madrid
Espanyol B.	-	Malaga
Numancia	-	FC Seville