(0-1) 62' Ibrahimovic
Saved by the post and a couple of superb saves from Victor Valdes, Barcelona limped out of the ONO Estadi with three crucial points in their battle with Real Madrid. Aritz Aduriz and Borja Valero both saw effortscrash off Valdes' right post as Mallorca proved exactly why their stadium is the second most difficult venue in La Liga this year. Leo Messi and Xavi both started on the bench, and without them Barca struggled to create many openings against a well-drilled Mallorcan defence. With Valero and Chori Castro in threatening mood, Valdes had to be on his toes to keep out some gilt-edged chances, none better than when he had to scramble across his goalline to keep out Castros effort. Leo Messi and Xavi were then thrown into the fray, after Andres Iniesta was forced off with a muscle problem, rendering him doubtful for the trip to Arsenal midweek. Then just when it looked like Barca were going to be sent back to the peninsula with a solitary point, Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared once more to smash in from close range after Aouate could only parry Puyols effort from a corner. It was a true smash and grab, but Guardiola wont care as he looks to Atletico to cause a derby upset on sunday evening.
Real Zaragoza 3 - 0 Valencia
(1-0) 41' Diogo, (2-0) 63' Arizmendi, (3-0) 71' Jarosik
Real Zaragoza pulled out their best performance of the season to see off a depleted Valencia side who were without their stars David Silva and David Villa. Even so, Joaquin, Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez showed enough attacking verve in the first half to suggest the spanish internationals wouldn't be missed. As a tightly fought first-half came to a close, two incidents changed the course of the match. First, Carlos Diogo collected a clearance from ex-Zaragoza goalie Cesar let fly with his left foot, giving the keeper no chance. Four minutes later, Valencia were down to ten after two irresponsible challenges, the second an unforgiveable lunge, lead to Nicola Zigic being shown red. Driven on by an inspired performance from youngster Ander Herrera, Zaragoza then dominated the second half, with further goals from Arizmendi, a fantastic strike from Edmilsons fine ball over the top, and a Jarosik effort from a corner. La Romareda ended the match with a round of Mexican waves as they celebrated three points which has served to open up a gap between them and the bottom three. A repeat of 2008 looks unlikely.
Malaga 1 - 1 Tenerife
(1-0) 66' Apoño, (1-1) 85' Alfaro (p)
No comments:
Post a Comment