Almeria 1 - 2 Real Madrid
(1-0) 14' Crusat (1-1) 27' Cristiano Ronaldo (1-2) 69' Van der Vaart
It was by no means easy, but Real Madrid will be pleased with a job well done against a feisty Almeria as they left the Estadio Mediterraneo with three vital points that keeps the pressure on Barca. Juanma Lillo set up his side to frustrate Madrid and use the pace and trickery of Crusat and Piatti to hurt the visitors on the flanks, and it was all going to plan when Crusat put his side one up after 14 minutes following Kala Uches run and cross from the byline. At that point, Real Madrid were against the ropes and their season was threatening to implode, when that man Cristiano Ronaldo scored a beauty out of the blue to put his side back in the contest.
The celebration, a 'hand-to-ear' gesture, wasn't well received by his superiors who reprimanded the Portuguese star for his actions after the match. The winger from Madeira has clearly failed to learn his lesson after last weekends humbling from Barcelona. From then on it was a battle between Pellegrinis men and Almerias brilliant Brazilian Diego Alves, who must have produced at least five world class saves during the 90 minutes. Just as it looked like the keeper would wreck any lingering hopes Madrid have of clawing back Barca, Rafael Van der Vaart popped up to whip in a viscious strike and secure the win. Six matches left and they need Barca to falter in two. Not impossible. Just unlikely.
Valencia 2 - 0 Athletic Bilbao
(1-0) 34' Silva, (2-0) 62' Silva
Valencia all but confirmed their place in next seasons Champions League with a comfortable victory against Athletic Bilbao. Joaquin Caparros' men were never at the races and struggled to conjure up more than a few half chances that were all repelled by Cesar who is enjoying a fine twilight to his long career. They had been looking to secure their own European spot, but defeat leaves them only a point ahead of Getafe as they fight it out for the last Europa League position. For Valencia, David Silva was in fine form and notched both goals in either half. His first was a relatively simple chance from only a metre out, but the second was pure Silva magic. Collecting Joaquins pass inside the area, he controlled and turned inside his defender in one movement, before shifting the ball onto his wand of a left foot and curling it out of Iraizozs reach and into the far corner. His partner in crime, David Villa, had one of his quieter nights and Spain fans will be hoping he recaptures his killer instinct soon as South Africa approaches.
On a further note, it will come as little surprise who has emerged as Real Madrids new summer target. I'll give you all a clue....Valencia are in town this weekend. Only a matter of months after Jesus Navas was target numero uno, coincidentally just before they were set to play Sevilla, David Silva has now replaced him at the top of Florentinos infamous wishlist. Subtlety has never been their finest quality. Next week it will be Jermaine Pennant!
