La Liga

[Annna]

LOL La Liga start today!

I'm very curious about 'new' Real Madrid and their game with Kaka and CR

[~CaRoLyN~]

wahey la ligas back! only two games today though. im very interested to see if Real will live up to expectations. i hope not

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 13

Valencia are up to third spot after a 1-2 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening. Bilbao youngster Muniain opened the scoring twelve minutes in to the second half after César could only push out a shot from Javi Martínez, but just four minutes later David Villa bounced a volley over Gorka to equalise, and Mathieu gave the visitors the lead later on with an impressive shot after Gorka cut out a cross from Mata. The hosts felt themselves unlucky not to save a point though despite having Koikili sent off, Iraola having a goal ruled out for a borderline offside, and David López firing a late penalty against the post after David Navarro fouled Javi Martínez.

Mallorca stay in sixth place after comfortably beating Zaragoza,their seventh home win in a row. Aduríz started things off shortly before half time after Chori Castro set him up, and the striker missed a couple more chances before he finally netted his second midway through the second half. Mario Suárez headed in Borja Valero's free kick for a third, and fellow substitute Keita rounded keeper López Vallejo to make it four before Ander headed in Jorge López's corner for a late consolation for the visitors.

Sporting Gijón are now four points behind Mallorca after a 2-1 defeat at Tenerife, although they hold on to seventh spot after Athletic's loss later in the evening. The Asturians appeared to be on track for an eighth game without a loss when Diego Castro gave them the lead in only the fourth minute. But Ricardo equalised ten minutes after the restart with a shot which took a deflection off a defender, and Nino drilled home the winner from an impossible angle a few minutes later.

Getafe stay two points below Sporting after they lost 3-2 at Villarreal later in the evening. Pedro León volleyed Michel's team in to an early lead after Marcano could only head back a Gavilán cross, but Capdevila equalised a quarter of an hour later. Soldado missed a sitter before that, but he made up for it with a penalty at the start of the second half after Cani was harshly sent off when he fell in to Casquero. Cazorla came on though for his first appearance after an injury lay-off, and within two minutes he had levelled the scores once again. And with a couple of minutes to go Capdevila got his second of the night to make it four straight home wins in a row for his side. Villarreal ended with nine men after Angel picked up a second booking in the last minute.

Espanyol's season is going from bad to worse, and there were serious protests from fans after they lost 0-4 to struggling Racing Santander. All the goals came after the break, with Henrique heading the Cantabrians in to the lead from a Canales free kick just two minutes after the restart. Canales himself got the second, and after Tchité converted a penalty following a trip by Pillud on Oscar Serrano, the 18 year old midfielder rounded off a special night with his side's fourth.

Racing stay in the relegation spots, but they are now two points clear of Málaga, who drew 1-1 against Osasuna. Masoud put the visitors in front two minutes after the restart, blasting a shot past Munúa after Aranda headed on a long throw. But with seven minutes to go Fernando let Apoño's long free kick go through his legs, and the ball went past everyone in to the net. It was a goal which probably saved the head of coach López Muñiz, giving the Andalusians their fourth draw in a row. (06.12.09)

Barcelona maintained their five point lead at the top of the table after beating Deportivo 1-3 on Saturday evening. A full strength Guardiola side dominated the first half, and went ahead when Messi drilled a low shot past Aranzubia after Alves set him up. Depor levelled the scores before the break with virtually their first effort on target, Valdés helping Adrián's header in to the net after Busquets could only head back Aranzubia's long clearance. But late in the second half Messi guided a header past the keeper from Pedro's cross, and with two minutes to go Ibrahimovic connected with a cross from Abidal to wrap things up.

Earlier in the evening Real Madrid had closed the gap on their rivals after a 4-2 win over Almería. Sergio Ramos started things off with a header from Cristiano Ronaldo's cross on the half hour mark, but slack defending allowed Soriano and Kalu Uche to turn the scoreline around in a three minute period in the second half. Higuaín squared the match once again though, and Benzema restored the lead after Alves saved a Ronaldo penalty. Ronaldo scored a fourth a couple of minutes later, but then got himself sent off after picking up two bookings near the end.

Third placed Sevilla lost more ground on the leading two though after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Valladolid, their second home draw in a week. The visitors had the better of the opening minutes, and Manucho gave them the lead with a well placed header from a Diego Costa cross. Borja was sent off though soon afterwards for a foul on Perotti, and Luis Fabiano equalised from the penalty spot after Marcos fouled Navas on the stroke of half time. Mendilibar's side held on however in the second half for a valuable point.

Atlético Madrid's revival continued, and they moved up safely to mid-table after beating bottom club Xerez 0-2. Reyes brought a good save out of Renan before setting up Forlán for the opening goal with just under half an hour gone. And Agúero made it two midway through the second half after controlling Paulo Assunçao's long ball before beating the keeper. Domínguez was sent off for a second bookable offence before the end, but Sergio Asenjo made sure the Andalusians didn't score after that. (05.12.09)

This weekends fixtures Day 14

Valladolid Vs   Málaga
Sporting  Vs  Sevilla
Getafe    Vs   Tenerife
Atlético   Vs  Villarreal
Racing     Vs   Xerez
Barcelona Vs   Espanyol
Almería    Vs  Deportivo
Valencia   Vs  R Madrid
Zaragoza  Vs  Athletic
Osasuna  Vs  Mallorca

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 15

One of the most interesting years for some time ended on rather a dull note after Deportivo and Valencia drew 0-0 in the last match before the two week winter break. The Galicians began the day two points behind their rivals, and a win would have taken them above their opponents in to the top four. And they had the better chances in the first half, Adrián bringing a good save out of César and Valerón heading against the bar. David Villa did cause some problems for the local defence, but Valerón and Sergio could have won it for Depor had they been able to find the target when free in front of goal after the restart.

Mallorca also started the weekend with a chance of ending the year in the Champions League spots, although in the end they had to make do with fifth place after a 2-1 defeat at Málaga. Fernando put the Andalusians ahead after Aouate ran in to his own player and dropped Apoño's free kick at his feet, but Julio Alvarez equalised ten minutes in to the second half after the defence failed to clear Chori Castro's cross. Forestieri won it for the locals though with a header which bounced awkwardly past Aouate, giving his side their first victory since the opening day of the season.

Villarreal and Racing Santander are two teams who have recovered their form recently, but it was Ernesto Valverde's side who got the edge when they met on Sunday. Llorente opened the scoring four minutes after the interval, beating Coltorti at the second attempt after Javi Venta crossed in from the right wing. And Rossi scored the definitive 2-0 later in the second half with an acrobatic shot after Morris could only play Cani's cross in to his path.

Sporting Gijón's recent good run came to an end when they were beaten 2-1 by a Valladolid side who had not won in six games. Luis Morán gave the Asturians an early lead following a short free kick, José Angel's shot deflecting off the defensive wall right to him. But Nivaldo levelled the scores on the half hour mark, heading past Juan Pablo after Diego Costa headed back Canobbio's free kick, and Medunjanin came on to score the winner in the last minute.

Espanyol also clocked up their first victory in two months, beating Almería 2-0 to move away from the danger zone. The Catalans had not scored in over 500 minutes, but they went ahead on the stroke of half time when the home-grown Javi Márquez turned in Verdú's cross. And with ten minutes to go Márquez fired in a shot which Diego Alves couldn't hold, and Coro drove in the rebound. Almería have only picked up four points in their last eight games, and coach Hugo Sánchez may soon be on his way.

Tenerifeand Atlético Madrid have also been struggling recently, and they both remain just above the relegation spots after drawing 1-1. Nino gave the Caanary Islanders the lead in only the third minute after Alfaro played across Juanlu's free kick, but Jurado ran on to Forlán's pass to equalise a few minutes later. The locals could have won it though had Sergio Asenjo not saved a Nino penalty shortly before half time after Domínguez handled in the area. (20.12.09)

Real Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona after thrashing Zaragoza 6-0 on Saturday night. B team coach José Aurelio Gay was in charge for the visitors after Marcelino was sacked last weekend, but he could only watch as Higuaín latched on to Marcelo's pass to open the scoring in the third minute. Van der Vaart added two more midway through the first half, and Higuaín showed excellent control to notch up his second of the evening with less than half the game gone. After the break Cristiano Ronaldo bamboozled the defence to make it five, and substitute Benzema completed the rout later on. Zaragoza stay down in the relegation spots as a result.

Madrid are now seven points clear of third placed Sevilla after the Andalusians lost 1-2 to Getafe earlier in the evening. Soldado got the first in the twelfth minute after Pedro León and Gavilán combined to set him up, and the ex Real Madrid striker added a second later in the first half after Sergio Sánchez could only play Albín's pass in to his path. Half time substitute Negredo got one back soon after the restart, but Michel's side held on for three points which consolidates their position in the top half of the table.

Athletic Bilbao started off the weekend, and they move up to sixth pending Sunday's games after beating regional neighbours Osasuna 2-0. With less than a minute on the clock Yeste turned in Llorente's cross to give the locals the lead, and Llorente himself scored the second a few minutes later with a shot on the turn past Ricardo. Gurpegui and Llorente could have increased the lead after that, and the visitors hardly troubled keeper Iraizoz throughout the match.

Next fixtures

Day 16 - Jan 3 2010 La Liga has a one week break for Christmas this season due to it being a world cup year and the league finishes earlier than normal.

Sporting Vs Málaga
Getafe  Vs Valladolid
Atlético Vs Sevilla
Racing  Vs Tenerife
Barcelona Vs Villarreal
Almería Vs Xerez
Valencia Vs Espanyol
Zaragoza Vs Deportivo
Osasuna Vs R Madrid
Mallorca Vs  Athletic
 

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 16

Barcelona remain two points clear at the top of the table after Real Madrid could only draw 0-0 at José Antonio Camacho's Osasuna on Sunday evening. A victory would have taken Pellegrini's side ahead of their arch-rivals on goal difference, but the nearest they came to scoring against a well-organised defence was when Higuaín fired an easy chance wide and then brought a good save out of Ricardo after the restart.

Mallorca move up to fourth after a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao earlier in the evening, their eighth home win in a row. Julio Alvarez opened the scoring somewhat fortunately when his shot ballooned off Iraola in to the net soon after the restart, and Aduríz got the second against his old club after Borja Valero set him up later on. The goal was enough to take the Islanders just above Sevilla due to the higher number of goals scored.

It was a low scoring start to the new year though, the sixteen goals by far the lowest of the season to date. Zaragoza and Deportivo drew 0-0 as well, the point keeping the Galicians in the top six but not helping the locals move off next to bottom spot. At least new manager José Aurelio Gay was able to stop the flow of goals against his side, his changed defence only threatened briefly by central defender Lopo.

Getafe are only a point behind Deportivo after a late 1-0 win over Valladolid. A depleted visiting side were unable to convert several chances, and Nauzet and Bueno both had goals disallowed by Teixeira Vitienes. Justo Villar had some work to do after that, but with seven minutes to go he could nothing to stop substitute Casquero scoring what was to prove the only goal of the match.

A good start for Almería's new coach Juanma Lillo, his side running out late 1-0 winners over regional rivals Xerez. Abel was unable to beat keeper Diego Alves a couple of times early on, but after that the visitors ran out of steam. The game appeared to be heading for a draw though until club captain José Ortíz volleyed home a last minute winner, leaving Xerez further down at the bottom of the table.

Almería move three points clear of the drop zone, level with Racing Santander, who beat Tenerife 2-0. Colsa picked up a Munitis assist to score the first with twenty minutes to go, and substitute Xisco added a second just three minutes later to take the Cantabrians a point above their opponents in the table.

More goals at least in the match between Sporting Gijón and Málaga, points being shared in a 2-2 draw. Duda's early opened for the visitors was cancelled out by Gregory's header following a corner on the stroke of half time. Weligton restored the lead for Málaga on the hour mark, but canella levelled the scores again a few minutes later. (03.01.10)

Not the best of starts for Barcelona at the beginning of the new year, the defending champions dropping points at home for the first time this season after drawing 1-1 with Villarreal. There was a euphoric atmosphere at the Nou Camp as Guardiola's side paraded their six cups before the fans, and when Pedro opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Henry's volley came back off the bar, they seemed to be on their way to another win. But Fuster equalised for the visitors soon after the restart, and Valverde's side held on for a valuable point.

Later in the evening Atlético Madrid came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1, a result which took them well clear of the danger zone. Renato headed the visitors in to the lead from Perotti's corner a minute before the interval, but soon after the restart Atlético were level, Dragutinovic deflecting the ball in to his own net after Palop tried to clear ahead of Forlán. The visitors were left with ten men when Duscher picked up a second booking, and in the third minute of injury time Antonio López headed the winner from Simao's free kick.

Valencia moved up ahead of Sevilla to third after a last minute victory over Espanyol in the first match of the new year. Villa tested Kameni a couple of times and then headed against the post after the restart, with Luis García wasting a good chance at the other end in between. But the game appeared to be heading for a draw until substitute Zigic ran in to head Joaquín's cross past the keeper in the second minute of injury time.

Next fixtures:

Copa del Rey January 5, 6, 7, 2010

Valencia Vs Deportivo
Barcelona Vs Sevilla
Recreativo Huelva  Vs Atlético Madrid
Celta Vs Villarreal
Rayo Vallecano Vs Mallorca
Málaga Vs Getafe
Alcorcón Vs Racing Santander
Hércules  Vs Osasuna
 
Liga: Day 17 January 9 - 10 2010

Sporting     Vs     Getafe
Valladolid    Vs     Atlético
Sevilla        Vs     Racing
Tenerife     Vs     Barcelona
Villarreal     Vs     Almería
Xerez        Vs      Valencia
Espanyol    Vs      Zaragoza
Deportivo   Vs      Osasuna
R Madrid    Vs       Mallorca
Málaga      Vs       Athletic

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 17

Barcelona stay two points clear at the top of the table after a comprehensive 0-5 win at Tenerife. The Canary Islanders caused them some problems early on, Alfaro hitting the bar and then bringing two good saves out of Valdés. But ten minutes before half time Messi opened the scoring after a good run by Bojan, and before the break they scored two more, Puyol heading in Messi's free kick and Messi taking advantage of another Bojan assist to beat Aragoneses from close up. Henry hit the post soon after the restart, and Messi completed his hat-trick with the goal of the night before Luna put through his own net trying to clear from local boy Pedro.

Real Madridkeep in touch with the leaders though after a 2-0 victory over Mallorca in a snowy Bernabeu stadium earlier in the evening. Higuaín started things off early on after picking up a long ball from Xabi Alonso before curling an impressive shot past Aouate. Castro headed wide at the other end, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká both missed chances before substitute Granero got on the end of Higuaín's lofted cross to make it two soon after the restart. It could have been more had Aouate not kept out Kaká, Granero and Higuaín after that, but Madrid had already done enough to wrap up the three points.

Valenciaconsolidated third spot, staying six points behind Pellegrini's side after beating bottom club Xerez1-3. Mata scored the first with only ten minutes on the clock after controlling a pass from Banega, and although Carlos Calvo equalised a few minutes later following Momo's assist, Silva restored the lead after Villa set him up with just over half an hour gone. And Marchena made sure of the win with a third goal midway through the second half, running through the defence before poking a shot past his ex team-mate Renan.

Deportivotook advantage of the defeats of Sevilla and Mallorca to move up in to the champions league spots after a 1-0 win over Osasuna.The Galicians have only scored twenty goals in their seventeen games though, and once again a single strike was enough to take the three points, Juan Rodríguez picking up Guardado's pass and beating Ricardo with a shot on the turn four minutes in to the second half. The visitors were left with ten men when Nekounam was sent off for a foul on Guardado, and the closest they came to scoring was when Filipe almost put through his own net late on.

Getafe's hopes of a place in Europe took a set-back when they lost 1-0 to Sporting Gijón. Diego Castro got the only goal shortly before the interval, controlling Camacho's pass before beating Codina. Michel's side were unlucky not to save a point after the break though, Mario heading against the post and Juan Pablo having to be at his best to keep out a couple of effort from Casquero late on.

Athletic Bilbao moved up level with Getafe after a 1-1 draw at Málaga. Mtiglia and Toquero both hit the post in the first half, but the locals went ahead when Weligton headed a Duda free kick past Iraizoz two minutes after the restart. Llorente equalised though from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Iván González a few minutes later. Málaga stay in the drop zone despite going without defeat for eight games, seven of which have been draws.

Zaragozaalso remain in the drop zone after losing 2-1 at Espanyol. A bad clearance from Carrizo allowed Verdú to score in to an empty net with just under a quarter of an hour gone, but the visitors equalised before the break when Moisés Hurtado could only head Lafita's free kick in to his own net under pressure from Arizmendi. Substitute Fernando Marqués got the winner though midway through the second half after Carrizo could only beat out a long shot from Callejón. (10.01.10)

Sevilla's excesses in the midweek cup-tie against Barcelona took their toll at the weekend, the Andalusians losing 1-2 at home to Racing Santander on Saturday evening. 18 year-old midfielder Canales did the damage in the first half, running on to a Munitis pass to lob Palop, and then dribbling round the keeper to score his second of the evening a few minutes later. Romaric got one back after the break following a Dragutinovic free kick, but after that Coltorti produced a string of saves to ensure a fourth win in five games for his side.

Atlético Madrid are virtually out of the cup after their heavy first leg defeat in Huelva, but after some harsh words from coach Quique Sánchez Flores they bounced back to beat Valladolid 0-4. Jurado latched on to a Reyes pass to start things off, and Forlán ran on to a long ball from Raúl García to make it two before the break. Reyes thrashed home a third on the hour mark, and Agüero came on to score the fourth right at the end.

Villarreal were unable to make it six straight home wins in a row after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Almeríalater in the evening. Nilmar headed them in to the lead from Cazorla's cross five minutes before the interval. But Iván Marcano gave away a penalty on substitute Goitom which Corona converted midway through the second half, and Villarreal's challenge ended when Marcano was sent off fora second bookable offence with seven minutes to go.


Next fixtures:

Copa Del Rey January 12 , 13, 14  2010

Second Leg

Deportivo Vs  Valencia   [1 - 2]
Sevilla Vs Barcelona   [2 - 1]
Atlético Madrid Vs  Recreativo Huelva [0 - 3]
Villarreal Vs Celta [1 - 1]
Mallorca Vs Rayo Vallecano [1-2]
Getafe  Vs Málaga [1 - 2]
Racing Santander  Vs Alcorcón [3 - 2]
Osasuna  Vs  Hércules [1 - 2]
 
Liga January 16 , 17 , 2010

Málaga      Vs   Getafe
Atlético     Vs   Sporting
Racing       Vs   Valladolid
Barcelona   Vs   Sevilla
Almería       Vs   Tenerife
Valencia     Vs   Villarreal
Zaragoza    Vs   Xerez
Osasuna     Vs   Espanyol
Mallorca     Vs  Deportivo
Athletic      Vs  R Madrid

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 18

Valencia's impressive season continues, and they are now only three points behind Real Madrid after beating neighbours Villarreal 4-1 on Sunday. With only six minutes on the clock David Silva set up Banega to open the scoring, and Villa made it two from the penalty spot after youngster Kiko was sent off for bringing down the striker. Silva scored the third early in the second half after a bad clearance by Capdevila from Mattieu's cross, and although Nilmar got one back after a misunderstanding between Alexis and César, Villa rounded things off with a fourth goal in injury time.

Mallorca are back up to fourth after they beat Deportivo 2-0 earlier in the evening, an eleventh straight home win in all competitions this season. Julio Alvarez hit the post as Manzano's side dominated the first half, and a minute after the restart Mario Suárez put them ahead after Martí played the ball back in to the area following a corner. Six minutes later Chori Castro picked up Aouate's long clearance and left Manuel Pablo for dead before shooting under the legs of Aranzubia, and it was game over.

Atlético Madrid are getting their season back on track, and they moved up to within a point of Sporting Gijón after beating the Asturians 3-2. Forlán scored the first in the thirteenth minute after picking up a pass from Simao, and although Diego Castro equalised from the penalty spot after Asenjo brought him down, Paulo Assunçao restored the lead early in the second half. Forlán limped off with an injury soon afterwards, but his replacement Ibrahima made it three after Juan Pablo could only block Agüero's shot. Agüero hit the bar later on, but as usual the local fans had to suffer after Luis Morán scored a second for Sporting in the dying minutes.

Getafe stay three points off the European places after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Málaga. The Madrid based side had knocked their opponents out of the cup midweek, but they were up against it when Boateng was sent off for a second bookable offence with only half an hour gone. Apoño hit the post with a free kick, but although both keepers had a busy night, the game appeared to be heading for a score-less draw until Baha flung himself forward to head Jesús Gámez's cross past Codina near the end.

Málaga move out of the relegation spots ahead of Tenerife, who were unable to hold on to an early lead at Almería. Juanlu put the Canary Islanders ahead in only the second minute after Diego Alves pushed out a shot from Kome, but Goitom made it 1-1 after the restart after Soriano put him through. The locals ended with ten men after Piatti picked up a second yellow card shortly before the final whistle.

Valladolid stay a point ahead of Tenerife after they drew 1-1 at Racing Santander. The visitors went ahead when Pinillos deflected Medunjanin's corner past his own keeper in the twentieth minute. But the latest 18 year old sensation Canales saved a point with the goal of the night, pulling down a pass from Munitis before lobbing the ball over Justo Villar on the hour mark.

Bottom two Zaragozaand Xerez did themselves no favours after drawing 0-0 in the Romareda stadium. José Aurelio Gay included all three of his new signings in the starting line up, but although Eliseu hit the post with a first half free kick, neither team could break down the opposing defence. The visitors were left with ten men when Víctor Sánchez was sent off for a tackle on Eliseu, and Jorge López wasted a good chance to win it for the home side near the end.

Barcelona took their revenge for their midweek elimination from the cup, a 4-0 win over a depleted Sevilla taking them five points clear at the top of the table. All the goals came after the break, the first scored by the visitors themselves when Escudé deflected a shot from Piqué in to his own net. Palop was once again on great form, but he was beaten for a second time when substitute Pedro ran on to a defence splitting pass from Xavi to lift the ball over the advancing keeper. After that Messi took over to deliver the killer blows, collecting a lobbed pass from Alves to score his 100th goal in a Barcelona shirt, and then running on to Abidal's pass to clip the ball past Palop once again in injury time.

Guardiola's side are assured the honorary title of winter champions after Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao earlier in the evening. The locals came out strongly from the start, Gurpegui and Toquero both hitting the post before Llorente headed the opener from Yeste's corner with only three minutes gone. After that though Madrid felt themselves unlucky not to at least save a point, Benzema hitting the post shortly before half time and Cristian Ronaldo bringing a couple of good saves out of Iraizoz. Athletic ended with ten men when Gurpegui picked up a second booking in injury time, but the final whistle went seconds later.

Osasuna moved away from the danger zone after a 2-0 victory over Espanyol. The Pamplona based side had not won in five games, but Juanfran put them ahead in the seventh minute following a short corner, and only a minute later Pandiani headed the second from a Camuñas cross. Both sides were left with ten men after Rúper and then Roncaglia were sent off for second bookable offences either side of half time, and Espanyol's new signing Osvaldo came close to getting one back late on. 

Next Fixtures.

Copa del Rey: January 20, 21, 2010

Deportivo Vs Sevilla
Atlético Madrid Vs Celta
Mallorca Vs Getafe
Racing Santander Vs Osasuna 

Liga: January. 23, 24, 2010

Getafe     Vs   Atlético
Sporting   Vs   Racing
Valladolid  Vs   Barcelona
Sevilla      Vs   Almería
Tenerife    Vs  Valencia
Villarreal   Vs   Zaragoza
Xerez       Vs   Osasuna
Espanyol   Vs   Mallorca
Deportivo  Vs   Athletic
R Madrid    Vs  Málaga
 

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 19

Real Madrid reached the halfway point of the season five points behind leaders Barcelona after beatingMálaga 2-0 on Sunday evening. Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero and then the villain for Pellegrini's side, scoring his first two goals of the new year and then getting himself sent off in the second half after breaking Mtiglia's nose with a flying elbow. The Portuguese superstar finished off a rapid team move ten minutes before the break, and then struck a fierce volley wide of Munúa after Guti set him up soon afterwards. Before that however Duda's deflected shot had bounced off the crossbar, and Casillas had had a bit of work to do as well. Xabi Alonso and Granero could have increased the lead later on though, and Madrid cruised through to end the visitors' nine game unbeaten run and clock up their tenth consecutive home win in the league.

Valencia started their match at Tenerife earlier in the evening with a chance of catching Madrid in the table, although in they end they finished five points behind after the match ended without goals. It was a lively game though, the stars of the ninety minutes the two keepers who both produced a string of saves. The home side dominated the early minutes, César palming out a looping header from Nino and then saving from Alfaro as he advanced on goal. Aragoneses kept out Silva at the other end, and near the end he produced a reflex save from David Navarro's header as the visitors pushed for an eighth away win of the season. A fair result though, and Aragoneses and César congratulated each other as they walked off at the end.

Mallorca hold on to fourth spot after they drew 1-1 at Espanyol. The Islanders were grateful for the point though after levelling the scores late on with a hotly disputed penalty, Borja Valero converting the kick after referee Rubinos Pérez ruled that Víctor Ruíz had fouled Rubén inside the area. Espanyol's new signing Osvaldo produced a couple of nice touches before opening the scoring soon after the restart, Rubén blocking his first shot but his second effort beating Aouate. Verdú headed wide and Aouate touched a Callejón volley over the bar, but Ramis drove a free kick against the bar before Borja's late equaliser.

Getafe are up to seventh after a 1-0 victory over city neighbours Atlético Madrid, the 30 points they have clocked up to date their best ever tally at this stage of the season. Michel's side dominated the first half, with De Gea having to save from an Albín free kick and an effort from Soldado early on. Manu fired a good chance wide, but soon afterwards got on the end of Pedro León's cross to score what was to prove the only goal of the match. Atlético hardly troubled Codina all evening, and any hopes of a comeback ended when Paulo Assunçao was sent off for a second bookable offence midway through the second half.

Villarreal are up to the top half of the table after beating Zaragoza 4-2. The locals raced in to an early lead, Capdevila starting things off after Carrizo could only push Cazorla's shot on to the post. Rossi set up Nilmar for the second a few minutes later following Capdevila's throw-in, and the Italian striker added a third from Senna's pass with only a quarter of the game gone. The visitors fought back though after the restart, Eliseu getting on the end of Suazo's cross and Lafita poking home a second after Aizmendi battled through. But with three minutes to go Ibagaza finished off a quick Nilmar breakaway to ensure the three points for his side.

Racing Santander followed up their cup win with a 0-1 victory at Sporting Gijón, taking them to within a point of their opponents in the table. Coltorti was in action in the first minute to save from Luis Morán, but Tchité went close a couple of times and Gregory had to head off the line from Geijo with the keeper beaten. A minute before the break Geijo broke the ice after collecting a cross from Tchité, and Tchité could have added a second after the restart. But in the end Coltorti had to save the day with a point-blank save from Portilla, and the visitors held on for the last few minutes after Oriol was sent off after picking up a second booking.

Racing's cup rivals Osasuna stay level with the Cantabrians in the table after a 1-2 win at bottom club Xerez. Monreal opened the scoring for Camacho's side in the ninth minute after Renan pushed out a shot from Aranda, but Mario Bermejo headed the equaliser from Momo's cross a few minutes later. The Andalusians never looked like scoring again after that though, and ex Xerez midfielder Camuñas finished them off with a second goal from Juanfran's cross late on. It was a bad start for coach Gorosito, who was brought in this week by the new Argentinian owners to replace Cuco Ziganda.

Barcelona ended the first half of the season unbeaten for the first time in their history after a 0-3 win at Valladolid on Saturday. Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half set them on their way, Dani Alves sending over a cross which Xavi volleyed past Villar, and then scoring himself with another long cross which sailed over the head of the keeper in to the far top corner of the net. Valdés had to make a couple of important saves, in particular from a fierce Borja free kick, but Henry tested Villar with a spectacular scissors kick before Messi ran on to Ibrahimovic's pass to make it three.

Deportivo moved back up to fourth pending Sunday's games after a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. The Basque side had the better of the first half, Toquero having a goal ruled out for a borderline offside and ex Bilbao keeper Aranzubia making a first class save from Llorente. Early in the second half though Filipe opened the scoring for the locals, his brave lunge at Bodipo's headed pass costing him a badly broken ankle. Juca scored the second with a shot which ballooned off a defender over Gorka, and although Colotto turned Toquero's cross in to his own net, Valerón set up Pablo Alvarez for a third later on.

Sevilla are just a point behind Depor after a 1-0 victory over regional neighbours Almería earlier in the evening, the result ending a run of four league defeats in a row. Negredo got the only goal early on against his old side, Jesús Navas gifting him the easiest of chances after a back-pass by Acasiete got stuck in a puddle left by a heavy rainfall. The Spanish international striker had a goal ruled out for offside and then brought a good save out of Diego Alves either side of half time, but the visitors (who had not lost under new coach Lillo) could have saved a point had Palop not kept out Soriano after the restart.

Next fixtures:

Liga:  January 30 , 31 , 2010

Deportivo  Vs  R Madrid
Espanyol   Vs  Athletic
Xerez        Vs  Mallorca
Villarreal    Vs Osasuna
Tenerife     Vs Zaragoza
Sevilla       Vs  Valencia 
Valladolid   Vs Almería
Sporting     Vs Barcelona
Getafe       Vs Racing
Atlético      Vs Málaga

[~Bubbles~]

Little of tongue in cheek fun 

Spanish Inquisition: La Liga Mid-Term Report Card

Goal.com?s KS Leong takes a look at how the 20 teams in La Liga have performed in the first half of the season...

The 'A' Star Students

Mallorca

The Balearic Islanders have been struggling in the wrong half of the table for the past few seasons. Financial instability and boardroom uncertainties have also made life difficult for coach, Gregorio Manzano to build a proper, solid team.

But he has somehow managed to pull it off this season. The club did not bring in any big-name superstars or high profile signings, yet as a group, the Barralets have markedly improved not only on their results but also on their performances. Their sensational streak of nine wins out of nine home games ? and only three conceded ? is the main reason why they are currently occupying the final Champions League spot on the table.

Star students: Dudu Aouate, Borja Valero, Aritz Aduriz

Grade: A+

Deportivo La Coruna

Another team who have been rather disappointing in the past few campaigns ? especially given the reputation that they built in the first half of the 2000?s ? but so far this term, they seem to have rediscovered their form that so affectionately won them the nickname SuperDepor.

Having conceded just 19 goals in 19 games, Miguel Angel Lotina?s style of football may not be eye candy for many, but his team?s defensive approach is delivering results. Some standout performances include their victories over Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao as well as a draw against Valencia. If they can maintain this form, a long-awaited return to the Champions League could be on the cards.

Star students: Filipe Luis, Andres Guardado

Grade: A

Barcelona

The criticism levelled at Barca this season is that they do not look as sharp and as devastating as they did last term. But it?s hard to argue that Pep Guardiola?s hex-champions have lost their spark when they are undefeated in La Liga after 19 games and currently lead the standings by five points. And they are still playing arguably the best football on the planet, spark or no spark.

While it?s true that they have one point less than they did at this same stage last season, their key figures have also been playing more games across a wide variety of competitions for club and country. But credit has to be given to the Blaugrana for persistently sticking with the same footballing philosophy and not growing complacent.

Star students: Lionel Messi, Xavi, Pedro

Grade: A

Exemplary

Valencia

After the horrors of the past two campaigns, Los Che are extremely relieved to find themselves back in familiar territory once again as they occupy third on the ladder, albeit a massive 10 points off the pace.

At this point in time, it?s all about baby steps for the Mestalla men as they look to slowly recover from their non-stop problems off the pitch. The only reason they are not up in the A-star student category is because of their bad habit of dropping points needlessly: draws at home to Sporting Gijon, Mallorca and an out-of-sorts Atletico Madrid, as well as away at Tenerife are the main reasons why they are not right in the thick of the title race.

Star students: Pablo Hernandez, Ever Banega, David Villa

Grade: B+

Real Madrid

For many of Madrid?s harshest critics, trailing Barcelona at any stage of the season is always a disaster. But considering that this Barca team have been hailed as possibly one of the greatest club sides in history, trailing them by just five points is nothing to be ashamed of.

And it certainly has been an exemplary half term for the ?Men in White? when you take into account the massive extreme makeover on and off the pitch during the summer. Coach, Manuel Pellegrini has done well coping with the demands of Florentino Perez, the demands of the fans, as well as the demands of his mega superstars.  A 100% record at home after 10 outings is certainly one of their highlights for Madrid but you feel they are still nowhere near their full potential.

Star students: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lassana Diarra, Gonzalo Higuain

Grade: B+

Getafe

After surviving the drop by the skin of their teeth last season, many were expecting Getafe to struggle again this term. But coach, Michel decided to throw away the script and do a bit of his own homework.

A stunning 4-1 win at Racing Santander on opening day was the perfect way for Los Azulones to kick-start the new campaign. Despite a few inconsistent patches, they tend to deliver results when they are expected to. They have lost more times than any other team currently in the top 10 but without a single draw, their 10 victories have put them comfortably into seventh place.

Star students: Roberto Soldado, Manu del Moral, Pedro Leon

Grade: B

Sporting Gijon

The Asturians were easily one of the poorer teams at this stage last season and they were strong candidates for the drop. They managed to string together a number of excellent results and eventually avoided demotion by a single point, even though they ended the campaign with the worst defensive record by a mile.

This season has been a complete revelation for Manolo Preciado?s modest men. They amazingly have the joint-fifth best defensive record and aside from the opening few weeks of the campaign, they have consistently been inside the top ten. And 10th spot is currently where they occupy at the halfway stage. 

Star students: Alberto Botia, Miguel de las Cuevas

Grade: B

Athletic Bilbao

Los Leones are enjoying one of their best starts to a season in recent memory, kicking off the campaign with three wins on the trot to go toe to toe with the perennial title favourites, Barcelona and Real Madrid, neither of which managed to win at San Mames.

But Athletic?s Achilles Heel, like many other teams in La Liga, is under-performing against opponents from the lower half of the standings. A shock defeat at Tenerife ended their 100% record, and they also stumbled against Sporting Gijon, Real Valladolid and Malaga. That is something that they really need to improve on if they are to fight for a place in Europe.

Star students: Gorka Iraizoz, Javi Martinez, Iker Muniain

Grade: B-

Must Do Better

Osasuna

The Navarrans could so easily be in the top half of the table after 19 rounds. Watching Jose Antonio Camacho?s men wrestle valiantly against Barcelona and Real Madrid and pinching a point off them, you?d be forgiven for thinking they were one of the genuine title challengers.

But Osasuna have consistently faltered against the smaller teams. Shock defeats to Tenerife and Almeria are just two examples of their unexpected slip-ups while they also failed to replicate their form against sides further up the standings such as Valencia, Mallorca and Sevilla. If they are to avoid being just another mediocre mid-table team, they really have to do better.

Star students: Walter Pandiani, Juanfran

Grade: C+

Espanyol

There?s boundless talent in the Espanyol squad but somehow, they Catalans can never seem to get their act together. There was some glimpse of promise this season when Mauricio Pochettino?s men enjoyed an excellent run of form between mid-September to early November as they went unbeaten for seven rounds and hovered comfortably in mid-table.

But seven defeats in their last 10 games have seen them stumble back down towards the danger zone. And things really went downhill when veteran striker, Raul Tamudo had his feud with the club president over contract and transfer matters, which led to his exclusion from the squad. If Espanyol can keep their focus on their pitch and stay away from the misfortunes of injuries, they might just excel in the second half.

Star students: Carlos Kameni, Nico Pareja, Ivan Alonso

Grade: C

Racing Santander

Like Espanyol, the Cantabrians also boast a talented squad comprising of experienced campaigners who have been playing together at El Sardinero for a number of seasons. But a dismal start under inexperienced coach, Juan Carlos Mandia left the team flailing away in the murky depths of the standings.

But with Miguel Angel Portugal back in charge for a second stint, Racing have made dramatic improvements and an impressive five wins from their last seven league games have lifted them out of the drop zone.

Star students: Oscar Serrano, Sergio Canales

Grade: C

The Disappointments

Sevilla

The season began with much promise for the Andalucians. An opening day defeat to Valencia was quickly brushed aside as they strung together five wins on the trot, the tail-end of which was a 2-1 win over Real Madrid. That triumph sparked a real belief across Spain that Los Blanquirrojos are serious title contenders. But it all went pear-shaped after that.

They won just twice in the final eight rounds of the first half of the campaign, a streak which included four defeats on the bounce and that woeful spell has singlehandedly distinguished any hopes of winning the Primera Division crown. They currently lie in sixth place, a staggering 16 points behind the leaders.

Grade: C-

Villarreal

The Yellow Submarine, like Sevilla, were enjoying life as part of La Liga?s elite over the past few seasons. Although it was expected that they could possibly take another slight dip this term, no one thought they would be spending the first eight rounds anchored in relegation waters.

With Manuel Pellegrini exiting the club, Villarreal literally had to start from scratch as Ernesto Valverde took over the coaching hot-seat. And it took a while before he could get the best out of his team and the likes of Joan Capdevila, Santi Cazorla, Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi are all now starting to find their feet.
 
Grade: C-

Malaga

After a barnstorming 2008/09 season where they eventually finished eighth and came close to securing a berth to the Europa League, Los Boquerones have looked nothing short of dismal in the first half of the new term.

A 13-game winless run stretching exactly three months left them rooted in the relegation zone and it wasn?t until five days before Christmas that they managed to surprise their fans with a win to begin their ascend up to where they are now at present: 16th. It?s a far cry from the side who were pulling off pleasant upsets last year.

Grade: D

The Flops

Atletico Madrid

It?s hard to imagine that a team boasting the talents of Simao, Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Jose Antonio Reyes and Raul Garcia could be battling away in the relegation territory for over half of the first term.

Los Colchoneros simply have not been able to function as a team on the pitch despite their talents and star names. An appalling defence was the main problem for Abel Resino when he was the coach and it remains a key issue for current trainer, Quique Sanchez Flores. Atleti are starting to show massive improvements but with 31 goals conceded, they have the leakiest backline of any side not in the bottom four. 

Grade: D

It?s rather cruel and heartbreaking to give Xerez a ?fail?, given the club?s resources and budget, or lackthereof. If there were marks for effort, the tiny Andalucians would certainly have bagged an ?A?. Fellow promoted sides, Tenerife and Real Zaragoza occupy the other two spots in the relegation zone but while El Tete understandably have a squad of unheralded players, the Araganos have been shockingly bad, given that they have some household names such as Carlos Diogo, Roberto Ayala, Jermaine Pennant, Lafita, Ewerthon and Javier Arizmendi.

Real Valladolid and Almeria both had to fight hard to secure their top flight status last season and without much reinforcements, it?s hardly surprising that they are labouring to stay afloat.

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 20

The gap between the top two and the rest widened to eight points after third placed Valencia lost 2-1 to Sevilla on Sunday. Negredo opened the scoring for the Andalusians in the twentieth minute after Escudé headed on a Perotti corner, and the Spanish international striker netted his second of the night on the hour mark, lobbing César after picking up a back-heel pass from Jesús Navas. David Villa hit the post and Mata tested Palop as the visitors fought back, and David Navarro headed a late goal after Mata played the ball back in following a good save by the keeper. The visitors could have saved a draw had the referee seen an injury time foul on Villa by Palop, but in the end it was three points for the locals, who move back in to the Champions League spots just three points now behind their opponents.

Mallorca drop out of the top four however after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of bottom club Xerez. Webó gave the visitors the lead with a diving header from a Chori Castro cross midway through the first half. And Manzano's side should have been further ahead when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Athami on Aduríz, Renan guessing correctly to save the striker's spot kick. Seven minutes after the restart though Carlos Calvo caught out Aouate with a long shot from outside of the area, and after Bermejo and Antoñito went close, Castro picked up Antoñito's pass and rounded Mattioni to score his second of the night. It was a second win of the season for the Andalusians, and a good start for new coach Gorosito on his home debut.

Getafe stay in seventh place after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Racing Santander. With both sides facing cup semi-finals midweek, the managers could be excused for fielding weakened line-ups. But it was still a lively match, with the two keepers the busiest men on the pitch. Codina was in action early on to make a couple of saves from Tchité, with Pedro León and Soldado keeping Coltorti on his toes at the other end. Rafa headed against the crossbar before the break, and Pedro León curled a corner on to the bar after the restart. Racing were left with ten men when Moratón picked up a second booking in the second half, but the Cantabrians held on to maintain their unbeaten record since the start of the new year.

Racing's opponents in the semi-final will be Atlético Madrid, and they continued to disappoint after a 0-2 defeat to Málaga. The visitors had not won in Madrid in 57 years, and had not taken the three points in an away game all season. But with only three minutes gone Duda got on the end of a Jesús Gámez cross to open the scoring, and Caicedo could have added to the lead with a bit more luck before the break. With twenty minutes to go to the final whistle Javi López made it two after Perea could only head a Baha centre across goal, and Atlético's only reply was a couple of late efforts from Jurado and Domínguez. The crowd booed their players off at the end, and they finished the weekend only three points above Málaga and six off the drop zone. Coach Quique Sánchez Flores has to turn things around quickly if he is not to follow Abel Resino in to the dole queues.

It was a bad weekend for managers elsewhere as well, with Villarreal's Valverde and Valladolid's Mendilibar both getting the sack after poor performances by their respective sides. Villarreal lost 0-2 to Osasuna, a result which took Camacho's side level with their opponents in mid-table. Juanfran started things off with a quarter of an hour on the clock, turning in a long cross from Monreal on the far post. And only a couple of top class saves by Diego López prevented Azpilicueta and Masoud from increasing the lead before the interval. The introduction of Ibagaza and Escudero at the break livened things up, but with five minutes to go Juanfran picked up a pass from Camuñas and rounded the keeper to score his second of the evening, and Valverde was history.

Valladolid fared a bit better, drawing 1-1 with Almería, but with his side only a point above the drop zone Medilibar still had to go. Crusat put the visitors ahead in the twelfth minute, steering a shot past Justo Villar after Goitom crossed in from the right. And things got worse for the locals when Manucho was sent off shortly before half time after catching an opponent with a flying elbow. Piatti missed a couple of chances to extend the lead soon after the restart, and the unfortunate Mendilibar was shown a red card himself for protesting. But with ten minutes to go César Arzo at least saved a point for the hosts with a glancing header from Mendunjanin's free kick. Mendilibar's replacement will be Onésimo Sánchez.

Curiously all three of the teams currently in the relegation spots were promoted last summer, although Zaragoza are now only a point away from safety after a 1-3 victory at Tenerife took them level with the Canary Islanders in the table. All the goals came after the break, with the home side taking the lead after Juanlu got behind the defence to sweep Pablo Sicilia's cross past Carrizo. The visitors replied though with three goals in six minutes, new boy Suazo levelling the scores from the penalty spot after Luna brought down Arizmendi. Another recent signing Adrián Colunga got the second after Gabi put him through, and Lafita wrapped things up with an impressive shot from outside of the area which went in off the far post.

Barcelona started the second half of the season with a 0-1 victory at Sporting Gijón, keeping up their unbeaten record in the league to date. Guardiola preferred Pedro to Henry in his starting line up, and it proved a good decision as the young forward scored the only goal of the match, albeit that he may have been in an offside position when Iniesta put him through on the half hour mark. After that the visitors wasted several chances to extend their lead, Messi going close either side of half time, ex Barça B defender Botía clearing in front of goal from Ibrahimovic and Juan Pablo saving well from Pedro. The Asturians didn't really trouble Valdés until the final minutes, although there were some nervous moments late on as they pushed forward to try and save a point.

Real Madrid stay five points behind the leaders after a 1-3 win at Deportivo later in the evening. The Merengues had not won in the Riazor for 18 years, but after Raúl missed a couple of early chances, Granero headed them in to the lead when Laure could only head back a ball in from Raúl Albiol. And five minutes before the break a clever back-heel by Guti left Benzema free to drill home the second. Depor got one back with a hotly disputed Riki penalty after the striker fell under a challenge from Sergio Ramos four minutes before the end, but Benzema put the result beyond doubt with his second of the night after Arbeloa set him up in injury time.

Espanyol kicked off the weekend beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 to move away from the danger zone. Luis García got the only goal with just under an hour on the clock after Gorka Iraizoz could only push out a shot from Javi Márquez. The Catalans had dominated the first half before that, with Osvaldo missing a good chance and Javi Márquez bringing a couple of good saves out of the keeper, and the only real reply from the visitors was a shot over the top from Susaeta later on.

Next Fixtures

Liga: 6 , 7 February 2010

Málaga     Vs   Deportivo
R Madrid   Vs   Espanyol
Athletic    Vs   Xerez
Mallorca   Vs Villarreal
Osasuna   Vs Tenerife
Zaragoza  Vs Sevilla 
Valencia   Vs Valladolid
Almería    Vs Sporting
Barcelona Vs  Getafe
Racing     Vs Atlético

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 21

Mallorca are back up to fourth in the table after a 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Sunday evening. The visitors were under new management after B team coach Juan Carlos  Garrido took over from Valverde midweek, and they had the better of the match, Godín heading a corner wide early on and Llorente failing to convert two or three chances either side of half time. But with ten minutes to go Nunes got above the defence to head a Julio Alvarez free kick past Diego López, and Mallorca had their tenth league home win in a row.

Mallorca go a point above Sevilla, who were defeated 2-1 byZaragoza later in the evening. With a cup semi-final on the horizon Manolo Jiménez put out a weakened side, and they went behind when new signing Contini beat Palop following a corner on the half hour mark. Kanouté equalised just two minutes later after Cala's header came back off the bar, but the locals restored the lead when Negredo headed an Eliseu free kick in to his own net just before half time. The unfortunate Negredo was sent off with ten minutes to go after a tussle with Contini, and he was followed down the tunnel by Stankevicius and Colunga.

Deportivo stay in sixth spot in the table after a 0-0 draw at Málaga. The home side dominated the first half, with Aranzubia having to save from Fernando, Benachour and Duda, and Depor's only real reply came when Iván González almost put through his own net. The Galicians were left with ten men shortly before the break after Pablo Alvarez picked up two rigorous bookings, but although Duda hit the post after the restart, the visitors held on for a valuable point.

Athletic Bilbao are just two points behind Depor after a 3-2 win over bottom club Xerez. Muniain headed the Basque side in to the lead in only the second minute, but Moreno equalised with an impressive volley, and Bermejo put the visitors ahead after Calvo set him up five minutes before the break. Fernando Llorente connected with two Susaeta crosses to beat Renan twice and single-handedly turn the scoreline around in the second half though, leaving the Andalusians nine points away from safety.

Osasuna are in ninth place after a 1-0 victory over Tenerife, their fourth home win in a row. Visiting keeper Sergio Aragoneses kept the Canary Islanders in the game with saves from Camuñas and Pandiani early on, but he could do nothing to stop Aranda from picking up a Camuñas pass to roll the ball in to the net a couple of minutes after the interval. Mikel Alonso had a goal ruled out for offside after that, but Tenerife stay in next to bottom spot having only picked up two points away from home all season.

Almería climbed away from the danger zone in an incident packed 3-1 win over Sporting Gijón. Diego Castro put the visitors ahead in the twelfth minute after Chico was sent off for stopping Rivera's shot on the line with his hands, but Crusat ran on to Bernadello's pass to equalise three minutes later. Shortly before the break Juan Pablo incomprehensively allowed a long Cisma free kick to bounce past him in to the net, and after Barral was sent off for elbowing Juanma, Guilherme ean on to make it three. Sporting ended with nine men after Gregory was also red-carded for arguing with a ball-boy.

The last match of the day paired together Racing Santander and Atlético Madridright in the middle of their two-leg cup semi-final, and this time honours were shared in a 1-1 draw. Diego Forlán opened the scoring for the visitors after running on to Simao's long ball to beat Coltorti, but Colsa equalised a few minutes later after blocking Perea's attempted clearance and firing a shot past De Gea. The visiting keeper was lucky not to be sent off after the break though when he brought down Tchité, Perea clearing the striker's shot off the line. (0

Leaders Barcelona kept up their unbeaten league record with a 2-1 win over Getafe, although they had to do it with ten men after Piqué was sent off for a hard tackle on Rafa midway through the first half. Messi opened the scoring in the fifth minute after Touré Yaya played a corner back out to him, and Ibrahimovic could have added to lead when Rafa cleared his shot off the line shortly before the break. Miku and Soldado tested Valdés either side of half time, but Keita should have scored when he shot wide with the goal at his mercy after the restart, and a few minutes later Xavi picked up a pass from Messi to make it two. Soldado got one back from the penalty spot in injury time after Márquez was sent off for pushing over Kepa, but it was too late to change the result.

Real Madrid are keeping up the pace though, and they stay five points behind Guardiola's side after beating Espanyol 3-0 later in the evening. Sergio Ramos headed them in to an early lead from Granero's corner, and Kaká made it two on the half hour mark after Kameni could only push out Raúl's header. Kaká hit the post after the restart, and with a minute to go substitute Higuaín pulled down a long pass to round Kameni and wrap things up, giving Madrid their eleventh home win in a row.

Valencia kicked off the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Valladolid which consolidates third spot, albeit eight points behind Madrid. Banega gave them the lead in the ninth minute after winning the ball and running on to beat Villar, and the Argentinian midfielder set up David Villa to head the second with half an hour gone. The hosts could have added more after the restart though, and Valladolid's new coach Onésimo has some work to do if he is to turn things around.

Next fixtures

Liga 13, 14 February 2010

Espanyol   Vs  Deportivo
Xerez       Vs  R Madrid
Villarreal   Vs  Athletic
Tenerife    Vs  Mallorca
Sevilla      Vs Osasuna
Valladolid  Vs Zaragoza 
Sporting    Vs Valencia
Getafe      Vs  Almería
Atlético    Vs Barcelona
Racing     Vs  Málaga

Champions League

Last 16, 1st Leg

Tuesday 16th February 2010

AC Milan Vs Manchester United
Olympique Lyonnais Vs Real Madrid

Wednesday 17th February 2010

Bayern Munich Vs Fiorentina
FC Porto Vs Arsenal

[~Bubbles~]

Match round-up - First Division, Day 22

Barcelona's unbeaten league record has finally fallen after a 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid on Sunday night. Guardiola had to put out a makeshift defence against an Atlético side who were euphoric after qualifying for the cup final midweek, and within nine minutes they were behind when Forlán ran on to a Reyes through ball to beat Valdés. Agüero should have scored again before Simao made it two with a well struck free kick midway through the first half, but the visitors came back when Ibrahimovic turned the ball in on the far post following Xavi's corner. There were few chances for either side after that though in a scrappy second half, and Barça ended the weekend just two points above arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Sevilla moved up to fourth place after beating Osasuna 1-0 earlier in the evening. Masoud and Luis Fabiano had chances at either end before Luis Fabiano got on the end of Diego Capel's cross to head past Ricardo ten minutes before the break. Navas shot wide after the restart and Sergio and Puñal tested Palop at the other end, but after substitute Perotti brought a good save out of the visiting keeper, the game fizzled to an end.

Mallorca drop out of the top four after Monday nights defeat away at Tenerife A Francisco Nino goal after 14 minutes gave the home side all three points leaving them one point behind Real Zaragoza.

Deportivo stay in sixth spot despite a 2-0 defeat at Espanyol, thanks largely to poor results by the sides immediately below them. Aranzubia had to produce a couple of good saves before he was finally beaten shortly before half time, Verdú sweeping Callejón's cross in to the roof of the net. Depor were left with ten men early in the second half when Antonio Tomás was sent off for an elbow on Chica, and Callejón curled a shot wide of the keeper for his side's second soon afterwards. Bodipo could have pulled one back when he shot straight at Kameni, and he, Iván Alonso and Osvaldo all had goals disallowed by the referee for borderline offsides.

A mistake by Codina in injury time cost Getafe two vital points against Almería, the keeper dropping the ball following a corner to allow Soriano to make it 2-2. Piatti had given the visitors the lead just a minute after the restart, beating Codina at the second attempt. But Casquero equalised after Soldado headed back Manu's cross a few minutes later, and Diego Alves had to make two or three top class saves before Soldado beat him for a second time from Pedro León's cross. Lower down the table,

Zaragoza stay two points ahead of Valladolid after drawing 1-1 with Onésimo's side in a freezing cold Zorrilla stadium. Diego Costa put the locals ahead midway through the first half after Carrizo dropped a cross at his feet, but Suazo poked home the equaliser shortly before the break. Costa came very close to a second in a triple chance which saw the keeper save his first effort, the post stopping the second and the third going wide. The visitors were left with ten men when Ander Herrera was sent off for a foul on Costa, but the locals couldn't find the goal to prevent a seventh game in a row without a win.

Málaga move away from the danger zone though after an impressive 0-3 win at Racing Santander. The midweek cup defeat had left the home side deflated, and they went behind when Weligton beat Coltorti following an eighth minute corner. Caicedo produced a good run to make it two before the interval, and Obinna scored the third less than a minute after coming on as substitute midway through the second half. Tchité got himself sent off for something he said to the referee near the end, and the Cantabrians are now only a point above their opponents in the table.

Real Madrid moved up to within two points of leaders Barcelona after beating bottom club Xerez 0-3. The locals held their own in the first half, with Momo wasting a couple of chances when free on goal. But Cristiano Ronaldo headed against the top of the bar shortly before half time, and twenty minutes in to the second half Kaká sent Arbeloa away for him to open the scoring. And in the next seven minutes Cristiano Ronaldo scored two more to wrap things up, the first a header from Kaká's cross, and the second after further good work from the Brazilian forward.

Third placed Valencia are now ten points behind Madrid after they could only draw 1-1 at Sporting Gijón. Diego Castro curled a shot over César from the corner of the area to put the Asturians ahead in the sixth minute. But after that the visitors dominated, Juan Pablo making some excellent saves, including one at point blank range from David Villa. Marchena headed against the post before the break and Villa also hit the outside of the upright after the restart, and with a quarter of an hour to go Banega slid the ball through for Mata to equalise.

Athletic Bilbao could have moved up in to the top six had they been able to win at Villarreal, but in the end they had to settle for seventh after falling to a 2-1 defeat. Capdevila picked up a return pass from Fuster to give Juan Carlos Garrido's side the lead early on. And although Gabilondo equalised with an impressive shot from outside of the area, Nilmar put the locals back in front after Cani set him up on the stroke of half time. Midway through the second half Diego López saved an Iraola penalty after Javi Venta had tripped Muniain, and the game ended in disarray after Godín, Javi Martínez, Caparrós and Orbaiz were all shown red cards.

Next fixtures.

Liga 21 , 22 , February 2010

Málaga  Espanyol
Deportivo  Xerez
R Madrid  Villarreal
Athletic  Tenerife
Mallorca  Sevilla
Osasuna  Valladolid 
Zaragoza  Sporting
Valencia  Getafe
Almería  Atlético
Barcelona  Racing

Champions league

Last 16 1st leg.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Olympiakos vs Bordeaux,
VfB Stuttgart vs Barcelona

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

CSKA Moscow vs Sevilla
Inter Milan vs Chelsea