None of the top sides in La Liga won this weekend however their positions remain unchanged. Villareal lost, Real Madrid drew with a little help from the ref and his assistants and Barça dropped points again at home. Top performers of the weekend were Atlético Madrid who hit six against Almería.
Once again, Felipe Bazon has all the details.
Mallorca 1 vs 1 Real Madrid
Errors from the ref and Mallorca’s own mistakes helped Real Madrid walk away with a point from this match. Mallorca dominated the game but it was Los Blanco who scored first just before the half time whistle through Sneijder. The home side continued to play well in the second half and Madrid created little in front of goal. Mallorca deservedly got back on level terms as Bojan Valero scored a brilliant goal, receiving a pass inside the box and beating Iker Casillas.
Osasuna 0 vs 1 Recreativo
A perfect strike from outside the box from Sinama Pongolle decided this thrilling match. It was harsh on Osasuna who failed to convert numerous chances as well as having what looked to be a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed by the officials. With the three points Recreativo move away from the relegation zone and are now only a point behind Osasuna.
Sevilla 2 vs 0 Villlreal
This was one of Sevilla’s best performances of the season. The home team were in control from the off with Keita and Renato running midfield and it wasn’t long before they were ahead. From his own half Dani Alves pinpointed a pass to Luis Fabiano who controlled with perfection inside box to score. A penalty taken by Kanouté with only three minutes left to play sealed the victory for the home side.
Barcelona 0 vs 0 Getafe
Once again Barcelona lost the chance to close on Real Madrid. In the only match of the round with no goals Barcelona had the better chances but hit the woodwork on no less than three occasions. Getafe’s goal keeper Pato Abbondanziere also played a important role with a great save from Gabi Milito which had looked goal bound all the way. As the match wore on the pace dropped with both sides presumably having an eye on midweek matches in Europe.
Murcia 1 vs 0 Valencia
In a poor match devoid of much quality Valencia lost again. The first opportunity of note fell to Murcia on the half hour mark after good play between De Lucas and Signol. It was a warning Valencia appeared not to heed and four minutes later came the winner, a free kick from the left taken by Abel found Iván Alonso free inside the box who headed home. Despite the win, Murcia are still in trouble at the wrong end of the table and with Valencia not out of the woods either.
Racing Santander 1 vs 3 Deportivo la Coruña
A very important win away from home for Deportivo. All four goals were scored in the first half, the first coming within the opening minute as Xisco gave the lead to the visitors. On 20 minutes, they doubled their advantage through Colocini. Jorge López pulled one back for the home team but Xisco was on hand again for his second of the game to seal the win. Deportivo are now seven points clear from the danger zone and Racing maintain their fifth spot but with Sevilla only two points behind them.
Athletic Bilbao 1 vs 0 Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao were victorious in another exciting match with their winning goal coming early via a header from Garmendia. Athletic were in command for much of the game with a strong showing from their back four and midfield. With their La Liga status secured for next season, Athletic are now focused in a place in Europe next season although with only seven games to go their chances remain slight.
Real Zaragoza 0 vs 3 Betis
In Zaragoza, Betis won the first of the two matches they need maximum points from to secure their La Liga status for next season. Two early goals form Mark González put Betis in command, allowing them to sit back and play on the counter. Zaragoza`s striking force of R. Oliveira, Pablo Aimar and Diego Milito were all denied by Betis’s young goal keeper Casto, and just before the hour mark the visitors sealed the victory through Pavone. Zaragoza are now in the relegation zone and three points behind Recreativo. Betis are 10th.
Levante 0 vs 3 Valladolid
An easy win for Vallodolid away from home this weekend, playing against bottom side Levante. Llorent opened the scoring for Valladolid on 23 minutes in a largely unimpressive first half. Just before the hour mark Valladolid went 2 up through Víctor and they guaranteed victory when Borjan scored their third with 3 minutes remaining. Valladolid are now 15th in the table and 5 points clear of the relegation zone.
Atlético Madrid 6 vs 3 Almería
A real goal fest this one with nine goals and two red cards. Almería were down to 9 men as early as the 40th minute but remained on level terms with the home team for much of the first half. Antonio López started the goal rush for Atlético Madrid within two minutes and moments later, Diego Forlán scored the second from the penalty spot. Felipe Mello got one back for Almería and Ortíz levelled the scores soon after. Simao restored Atlético’s lead but once again, the visitors found an equaliser through Negredo. But with Juanito getting his marching orders just before the break, it became one way traffic. Simao was on hand again to give the lead to Atlético and in the second half, Kun Aguero scored twice to wrap up a fine win.
