(0-1) 64' Arbeloa, (0-2) 70' Cristiano Ronaldo, (0-3) 71' Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid didn't falter as they successfully added extra pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga. It wasn't pretty and it took them until the 64th minute to make the breakthrough, but once they did they devastated a worn-out Xerez side that had given as good as they had got. The atmosphere inside Chapin was predictably hostile and they got right behind their side as they got stuck into Real Madrids new galacticos. Xerez even had the better of the chances in the first 45 minutes as Momo and Carlos Calvo could easily have out their side infront. But in the second half, they tired badly and after Arbeloa had put Madrid infront with his first goal in Spanish football, finishing off a slick move with a wonderfully calm finish, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká took over. For Cristianos first, Kaká whipped over a lovely ball that Ronaldo bullet-headered into the net. One minute later the Brazilian repeated the trick with a squared pass in the area that Ronaldo tucked away with minimal fuss. Thats what €150 million gets you. The biggest disappointment of the match was Gonzalo Higuaín, who went completely missing and was subbed after 66 minutes. But today was all about Cristiano as a ruthless Madrid leave Jerez with three points in the bag, with an injury-hit Barca under pressure to maintain their five point advantage at Atlético tomorrow.
Villarreal 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
(1-0) 5' Capdevila, (1-1) 24' Gabilondo, (2-1) 45' Nilmar
A fantastic game of football that was soured by an absolutely disgraceful last 5 minutes that saw 4 red cards and a missed penalty. Joan Capdevila put the Yellow Submarine infront, slotting past Iraizoz after a delicious dummy from Robert Pires put him through one on one. The full-back is deadly infront of goal. Then Gabilondo responded for Athletic with a stunning goal from outside the area the gave Diego Lopez no chance. Villarreal looked more like there former self as they set about Bilboa with the verve and tenacity of old. Brazilian striker then put the home side back ahead as he raced onto Canis inch perfect pass to slot in. He could have had a couple more in the second half, but whilst the scoreline didnt budge, plenty of players gave themselves an early shower as the game turned into a brawl in the final few minutes. Iker Munian won his side a penalty with one minute left, with what looked like a dive, but Iraola was unable to covert the penalty; he fifth missed penalty in his fledgling career. Then the match turned nasty. First to go were Godin and Javi Martinez. The Bilbao midfielder was shown a red for a raised elbow, whilst Godins red looked less clear, but must have been for something he did in the aftermath. Joaquin Caparros went sent off for protesting, and Orbaiz quickly followed for a disgraceful tug of Marco Rubens hair.
Sporting Gijon 1 - 1 Valencia
(1-0) 5' Diego Castro, (1-1) 76' Mata
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