Real Madrid 3 - 0 Espanyol (Highlights)

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Espanyol
(1-0) 28' Cristiano Ronaldo (p), (2-0) 79' Higuain, (3-0) 87' Benzema

Strange old game that saw Real Madrid struggle to find their rhythm before putting nine man Espanyol to the sword with an improved second half performance. The first 45 minutes saw Espanyol battle away in the middle of the park, making life uncomfortable for the home side, although Madrid carried the greater threat through Di Maria and Ronaldo. Trouble was they found it hard to create chances against a well-organised defence lead by Forlín and Galán and with Cristiano Ronaldo a shadow of the all-conquering winger/goalscorer extraordinaire we are so used to seeing. In the end it was a harsh decision on Luis Garcia, punished for handball when he was protecting his face in the wall from a free kick, that saw Real edge ahead with a Cristiano penalty, despatched with aplomb. It was hardly a fair reflection of proceedings at that stage and Espanyol had cause for complaint. With the speed that CR7 gets on the ball, I'm not sure how it can be labelled intentional handball.

After half-time we saw a more fluent Real Madrid, with impressive showings from Sergio Ramos, Ricardo Carvalho, Marcelo and Xabi Alonso helping things along nicely. Slowly but surely there are signs that Jose Mourinho is beginning to turn things around at the Bernabeu. Winning is one thing, but these most demanding of fans want to win in style and there were signs after half-time that Real Madrid are beginning to loosen the shackles of doubt that has plagued their start to the season. Pepe and Galán were both harshly sent off in quick succession, with Galáns red card surely a result of the uproar following that tackle by Ujfalusi on Messi. Had the defender commited the same foul on anyone else apart from Ronaldo, I'm convinced he would only have seen yellow. Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema (what good that goal will do for his confidence) wrapped things up late on with well-taken strikes before Forlín saw the third red card of the evening after seeing two yellows, both for berating the ref. Pochettino didn't look overly impressed with the needless petulance shown from his centre back, nor with the manner of his sides defeat. The result flattered Real Madrid, and a dangerous-looking Espanyol will feel hard done by, but there's no denying Mourinhos men deserved all three points.

Tonights other matches:

Athletic Bilbao 3 - 0 Mallorca
(1-0) 44' David Lopez, (2-0) 62' San Jose (p), (3-0) 92' Perez

Osasuna 3 - 1 Real Sociedad
(0-1) 16' Tamudo, (1-1) 37' Pandiani, (2-1) 42' Camuñas, (3-1) 74' Aranda

Espanyol breathe new life into La Liga after holding Barca to derby draw

Espanyol 0 - 0 Barcelona

Barcelona lost their margin for error as Espanyol held them to a derby draw that breathes new life into La Liga. After last weeks dismantling of Real Madrid in their own backyard, many expected Barca to motor on unscathed to Liga glory. But their derby rivals had other ideas as they got stuck into the visitors, backed by a vociferous Cornella crowd. Baena and Forlin were monstruous in the middle of the park, as Xavi, Messi and Busquets were continually hounded in possession. Barca struggled to get into their stride from the off and were a shadow of the side that saw off Arsenal and Real Madrid in recent weeks. That said, Pep Guardiola and his players certainly have grounds for complaint regarding referee Undiano Mallencos performance, as Dani Alves was sent off for two innocuous fouls, whereas Espanyol were allowed to get away with numerous robust challenges which served to halt many of Barcas attacks.

Even so, Mauricio Pochettino must take great credit for setting up his side to frustrate Barca, with his 4-2-3-1 formation preventing Leo Messi and Xavi from being allowed to impose themselves on the match. Infact it was only the second time this season that Barcelona were prevented from scoring, with only Valencia managing that feat on matchday seven. Though having played for half an hour with a man less, Guardiola may well see this as a point well won, with Real Madrid still having to gain three points from a tricky home match against Valencia to make the most of this slip-up. But with trips to Villarreal and Sevilla still to negotiate for Barcelona, this league is still far from over. If Real Madrid do pick up the win tomorrow, and with Inter Milan still to come in the Champions League for Barca between league matches, La Liga will be thrown wide open, and with the easier run-in, Manuel Pellegrinis men will really fancy their chances. HAY LIGA!

Villarreal 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid
(1-0) 21' Godin, (2-0) 43' Rossi, (2-1) 64' Agüero

Sevilla 3 - 0 Sporting Gijon
(1-0) 7' Kanoute, (2-0) 53' Fabiano, (3-0) 84' Cala

Barcelona brush Depor aside to jump six points clear (Highlights)

Barcelona 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 15' Bojan, (2-0) 68' Pedro, (3-0) 72' Toure Yaya

Barcelona brushed aside a weak Depor side to leap six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Barca dominated the match with embarrassing ease, but it wasn't until late on in the second half before they made sure of the win. Bojan, who has looked razor sharp in this seasons home straight, put Barca infront early on after yet another defence splitting pass from Xavi Hernandez. Messi may well be the best player in world football right now, but the importance of Xavi to this side can never be underestimated. Deportivo didn't get a touch of the ball  in the first half, but the Galicians fought their way back into the match after halftime, and gave the host a couple of scares before Pedro got the all important second goal with twenty minutes remaining.

And what a goal it was. Victor Valdes pumped the ball forward and when Depor keeper Aranzubia failed to properly clear his lines, Pedro curled the ball first-time into the empty net from close to the halfway line. The young man from Tenerife displaying once more his exquisite quality, and after his match-settling goal in the Clasico, the stage is set for Pedro to emerge as a vital cog in the Barca machine next season, if he isn't already. Toure Yaya smashed in the third shortly after, allowing the Camp Nou crowd to break into Mexican waves as the match drew to a close. If Real Madrid fail to get anything other than a win tomorrow at Almeria, its game over.

Atletico Madrid 1 - 2 Xerez
(0-1) 9' Bermejo, (1-1) 11' Forlan, (1-2) 72' Armenteros

Who saw this one coming? Just when it seemed Xerez were out for the count, they pull off an incredible away victory at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico Madrid may well have given up on the league, but the small team from Andalucia certainly havn't. They are now only six points behind Málaga and with a vital home match against Racing Santander coming up this weekend, they could well be only three points off salvation as we enter the final five matches. Mario Bermejo and Emilio Armenteros headed in both the goals, with De Gea left glaringly exposed on both occasions. Meanwhile, for Atletico, La Liga appears to be an inconvenient distraction as they prepare to fight it out with Liverpool and Sevilla in their search for silverware. Tonight they were woeful, with only Forlans bullet of a goal worth cheering about. Jurado has replaced Diego Forlan as the crowds public enemy number one, as the fans make their dismay at their teams league form abundantly clear.

Real Zaragoza 1 - 1 Mallorca
(0-1) 13' Ruben, (1-1) 21' Suazo

Real Zaragoza really aren't making it easy for themselves. Anyone who follows 'Los Maños' knows that they struggle badly to score points away from home, which makes those matches at La Romareda doubly important. Just as well the referee wrongly ruled out a late Aduriz goal that would have placed Zaragoza in serious trouble. Ruben headed Mallorca into the lead but Zaragoza were quick to level matters as 'Chupete' Suazo chipped a delightful goal over Aouate. The Chilean has been an inspired signing and could well be the difference between relegation and survival. Borja Valero gave yet another Xavi-esque performance as his team leapfrog Sevilla in the fight for the fourth Champions League position.

Racing Santander 3 - 1 Espanyol
(0-1) 32' Alonso (1-1) 36' Tchite (p), (2-1) 50' Tchite (p), (3-1) 91' Arana

Osasuna 2 - 2 Malaga
(1-0) 10' Pandiani, (1-1) 32' Caicedo, (2-1) 48' Pandiani, (2-2) 76' Baha

Mallorca keep pace with Sevilla; Atletico Madrid give up on the league

Espanyol 3 - 0 Atletico Madrid
(1-0) 47' Victor Ruiz (2-0) 68' Osvaldo (3-0) 91' Ivan Alonso

Mallorca 3 - 2 Valencia
(1-0) 6' Castro, (2-0) 21' Webo, (2-1) 47' Jordi Alba, (3-1) 63' Fernandes (o.g), (3-2) 85' Pablo Hernandez

Osasuna 2 - 0 Real Zaragoza
(1-0) 2' Aranda (2-0) 92' Vadocz

Deportivo La Coruña 1 - 1 Racing Santander
(1-0) 1' Riki, (1-1) 83' Toni Moral

Athletic Bilbao 4 - 1 Almeria
(1-0) 13' Javi Martinez, (2-0) 32' Gabilondo, (3-0) 49' Javi Martinez, (4-0) 51' Llorente, (4-1) 71' Piatti

Real Madrid ensure they enter El Clasico neck and neck with Barca

Racing Santander 0 - 2 Real Madrid
(0-1) 23' Cristiano Ronaldo, (0-2) 76' Higuain

Real Madrid did exactly what they had to. In and out of the Sardinero with three points in the kitty, allowing them to move into El Clasico level on points with Barcelona, with a one goal advantage. They also managed to achieve goal number 100 for the season, and edged closer to that 107 league goal mark set 20 years ago. Their deadly duo account for more than half of those goals, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain, who else, scored the two goals that were enough to see off a limited Racing Santander. Cristiano won and scored a penalty halfway through the first half, but they were made to sweat before making the win safe courtesy of a glorious throughball by Guti and a routine finish from Gonzalo Higuain. It was pretty but it didn't need to be. On form you would have to label Barcelona as favourites for next weeks clash of the titans. Although we all know form doesnt count for much in games like this. With Ronaldo and Higuain around Real Madrid will always have goals in them. It promises to be a belter. 6 days of press frenzy await.

Atletico Madrid 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 22' Juanito, (2-0) 56' Forlan, (3-0) 60' Thiago

What better way to prepare for Thursdays make or break clash against Valencia, than by sweeping aside a Depor side in terminal decline. Atletico Madrid didn't have to work hard for tonights victory,  but they did just what was required to warm up for their Europa League quarter final this coming week. An early goal from recalled Juanito opened the scoring after a fine cross from Simao. Diego Forlan sentenced the match just after the break, in a peacemaking act with the Vicente Calderon, before Thiago rounded things off after a Reyes-esque run from a rejuvenated Tomas Ujfalusi. David De Gea underlined how important he'll be in their chase for silverware with some stunning saves as Atletico kept a welcome clean sheet. The defence has shored up, allowing the strikers to do their job. It's all coming together nicely for Quique Sanchez Flores.

Valencia 3 - 0 Osasuna
(1-0) 47' Joaquin, (2-0) 89' Villa, (3-0) 93' Villa (p)

Valencia have third place in La Liga all but wrapped up with a tight match in the Mestalla that was made to look more comfortable by two late strikes from 'El Guaje', David Villa. The only difference between the two sides was their accuracy infront of goal, with Joaquin putting Valencia on course to three points with a deft flick just after halftime. Villa added two strikes late on, one from the spot after he was brought down by Ricardo to take his tally to 28 in all competitions. Osasuna had their chances, but were left to rue misses from Camuñas and Aranda as their early season form has deserted them as the season comes to a close.

Sporting Gijon 2 - 2 Xerez
(1-0) 13' Rivera, (1-1) 52' Bermejo, (2-1) 56' De Las Cuevas, (2-2) 79' Alustiza

Xerez just refuse to lie down and with this point in El Molinon, continue to dream of survival. Nestor Gorosito would have targeted all three before kick-off, but after seeing how the match unfolded, a point was a bonus for a Xerez side that was outplayed by Sporting, and were gifted a route back into the match after a monumental error from Rivera, who had opened the scoring earlier on and was by far the matches star performer. Regardless if they stay up or not, Xerez have salvaged a huge amount of pride from a season that was spiralling out of control under former coach 'Cuco' Ziganda.

Real Valladolid 0 - 2 Villarreal

(0-1) 9' Angel, (2-0) 59' Nilmar

Desparate times for Real Valladolid. In previous years they have scrapped and fought to remain in the Primera Division. This year they are severely lacking in fight, belief and confidence and even have their own fans on their back. The situation at the Jose Zorilla is critical after another defeat at the hands of Villarreal who hit the hosts with two suckerpunches before and after the break. The first was a scorcher from Angel, with the second a pinpoint header from Nilmar, who could well be one to watch for next season as he continues to settle into life in La Liga. Valladolid were tormented all afternoon by a familiar face as Joseba Llorente ran rings around the home defence. How they miss his goals and guile. The match ended on a sour note with Medjunanin gesticulating to the crowd in response to incessant booing and jeering, spurred on by sightings of the players out on the town between matches.

Getafe 1 - 1 Espanyol

(1-0) 27' Manu, (1-1) 50' Osvaldo

Pedro Leon for Spain? The winger can hardly do more to stake a claim for a place in the squad and is surely a safer bet than Albert Riera. Game of two halves with Getafe controlling the first half and going in at the break 1-0 up through Manus strike, courtesy of yet another assist from Pedro Leon. Espanyol came out a different side in the second half and were unlucky not to go on and win the match after Osvaldos spectacular strike from the left corner of the box. The Argentine loan signing from Bologna has been a revelation in the second half of this season.

Almería 1 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 4' Uche, (1-1) 87' Webo

Ibrahimovic saves Barcelonas blushes against Osasuna

Barcelona 2 - 0 Osasuna

(1-0) 72' Ibrahimovic, (2-0) 88' Bojan

Underfire Zlatan Ibrahimovic strolled out of Messis shadow to rescue his team from a potentially league-threatening draw against Osasuna.  While the watching world reached for the superlative dictionary during the week, as plaudits flew in from all angles to praise his teammate, Zlatan was left to mull over his numerous gaffes in the Aragonese capital. He and his team were made to suffer today as the visitors strangled the life out of Barcelona during a physical first 45 minutes, whilst also offering hope to the rest of the world that Leo Messi can be stopped. Messi didn't have a bad match by any stretch of the imagine, yet such are the standards that he sets himself these days, anything less than a hattrick doesn't warrant any special mention.

Jose Antonio Camacho, a Real Madrid man at heart, came to the Camp Nou set on  causing an upset. His 4-3-3 formation was a welcome change to the 'park the bus' tactics that many visiting teams adopt in this neck of the woods. With Nekounam and Puñal his loyal footsoldiers in the centre, Barca struggled to find any rhythm as Osasuna didn't leave a blade of grass unturned. The best chance of the half fell to Krisztian Vadocz, but up against the one-on-one master, Victor Valdes, there was only ever going to be one winner as the Barca keeper came to his sides rescue once again. Osasunas two full-backs, Monreal and Azpilicueta caused Dani Alves and Maxwell plenty of headaches down the wings, and as the players walked off for half-time, Barcelona were surely pondering how they could break this wall of white shirts down.

Whatever Guardiola said at the break worked, as Barca came out in determined mood, with Andres Iniesta at the forefront. Even so, Osasuna were in no mood to cave in as they stuck to the tactics that had served them so well in the first half. As the minutes ticked away, it was looking increasingly desparate for the Catalans. But up popped Ibrahimovic, who was in the right place at the right time to finish off a flowing move that involved Iniesta and Maxwell, with the latter sliding a perfect pass across goal, which only required the big Swede to stick out a leg. Cue a collective sigh of relief and plenty of swearing in Madrid. Messi provided his customary moment of magic, creating an inch of space just outside the area which allowed him to curl against the post, before Iniesta turned creator to set up sub Bojan for another of his late cameo goals. It wasn't pretty but it was effective, as Barca now look to Getafe to do them a huge favour tomorrow in the Coliseum.

Valencia 1 - 0 Malaga
(1-0) 13' Villa

Tenerife 2 - 2 Villarreal

(0-1) 46' Nilmar, (1-1) 60' Nino, (2-1) 76' Culebras, (2-2) 88' Rossi

Real Valladolid 0 - 0 Espanyol

Racing Santander 0 - 0 Mallorca

Almeria 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza

(1-0) 61' Uche

Real Madrid fight back to go three points clear

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Sporting Gijon

(1-0) 53' Barral, (1-1) 54' Van der Vaart, (2-1) 57' Alonso, (3-1) 68' Higuain

Real Madrid rattled off their 14th consecutive league victory in the Santiago Bernabeu this season, as they came from behind to beat a plucky Sporting Gijon. The home fans certainly won't have relished a drab first half, and things got even worse after the break when an exquisite pass over the top from Camacho sent David Barral through on goal with the striker composing himself before firing an unstoppable shot past Iker Casillas. But back came Madrid only a minute later with a goal that had more than a hint of controversy about it, as Rafael Van der Vaart appeared to handle the ball in the box before shooting in after Juan Pablo could only parry Cristianos rocket of a free-kick. Then Real Madrid went straight into the lead, after a prodigious leap from Cristiano Ronaldo flicked on a corner towards an unmarked Xavi Alonso who made no mistake with his header from close range. Gonzalo Higuain rounded things off and made the points safe with a dashing run and shot, which takes his league total for the season to 20. They might not be setting the world alight, but they sure know how to grind out those league points, with Barcelona now obliged to get a win away to Real Zaragoza tomorrow. Advantage Real Madrid in the race for La Liga.

Xerez 2 - 1 Tenerife

(1-0) 7' Bermejo, (2-0) 15' Aythami, (2-1) 49' Nino

In terms of quality it was like watching a third division match, but Xerez won't care one bit as they grabbed three points that allows them to continue believing in the impossible. In all reality, Xerez staying up is impossible, especially when you think that they still have to travel to Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before the season comes to a close. Even so, what Nestor Gorosito has achieved since he walked into the madhouse has been more than noteworthy, and Xerez fans will surely be thinking what could have been if we had started the season with the Argentine manager in charge. Mario Bermejo got the first early doors, but from where I was sitting it looked like the keeper Aragoneses took his header comfortably on the chest; the linesman must have seen him fall back behind the line. Aythami quickly made it two after some chaos in the Tenerife box, and it finally looked as if were about to witness a rout. The rout never materialised, and once midfield enforcer Sidi Keita was forced off injured, it all got very untidy in the middle of the park. Tenerife were awarded a dodgy looking penalty towards the end of the first half, but in the midst of pandamonium-like noise, newly restored keeper/hero Chema came to rescue, pushing away Ninos tame effort. Nino wasnt to be completely denied though, as the tiny striker somehow beat two huge centre halves to a header early in the second half, which cut the defecit. Tenerife probed for much of the second half, but the equaliser never came. So, can Xerez do the unthinkable and stay up? It would be the stuff of legend, but those away matches will surely put pay to any small hopes that still linger.

Espanyol 2 - 0 Sevilla
(1-0) 8' Osvaldo, (2-0) 60' Osvaldo

Is this the end of Manolo Jimenez as Sevilla boss? A tame defeat for the Andalucians as Espanyol ran the show in the Estadio Cornella. Espanyol unbeaten at home since losing 0-4 to Racing in December, a run that will surely secure their survival in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 2 Real Valladolid
(0-1) 39' Nauzet (0-2) 91' Medjunanin

Real Valladolid kept a clean sheet for the first time in 17 matches as they overcame a disappointing Deportivo la Coruña in the Riazor. The win keeps Valladolid very much alive in their fight for top flight survival as Depor take a step back in their hunt for the Europa League positions.

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 2 Getafe
(1-0) 13' Orbaiz, (1-1) 32' Manu, (2-1) 81' Llorente, (2-2) 86' Pedro Leon

Crazy match at the San Mames, as Getafe dominated but saw themselves obliged to fight back to earn a draw in the dying minutes. Orbaiz and Miguel Torres were sent off for either side as a feisty encounter ended in a draw that does little for either teams European ambitions.

La Liga Saturday Highlights: Messi leads nine-men Barca to Getafe win

Barcelona 2 - 1 Getafe

(1-0) 5' Messi, (2-0) 66' Xavi, (2-1) 93' Soldado

Lionel Messi ran the show as Barcelona recorded an impressive win against Getafe, having played for more than 65 minutes with ten men. Messi gave Barca the lead with a cracking effort after only 5 minutes and it looked like a rout was on the cards as Barca mounted wave after wave of attacks. But then a moment of madness saw Gerard Pique sent off for a nasty challenge on Rafa, which threw the game wide open. Both teams went for the jugular, as Getafe could finally match their opponents now they were down to ten. But lead by a possessed Lionel Messi, Barca went two up when Xavi struck home just after the hour. Game over. But there was still to be some drama, as Marquez was sent off after felling Kepa, with Roberto Soldado slotting home the penalty. Guardiola didnt want to enter into any debates about the refereeing, but he'll have a few late nights as he ponders how to structure his side for their next match against Atlético Madrid without Pique, Marquez, Alves and Toure Yaya.

Real Madrid conquer Riazor 18 years later

Deportivo La Coruña 1 - 3 Real Madrid
(0-1) 13' Granero, (0-2) 40' Benzema (1-2) 86' Riki (p), (1-3) 91' Benzema

The last time they beat Depor in the Riazor, Raul was still working his way through the youth set-up at Atlético. Tonight Real Madrid put an end to 18 years of hurt in Galicia, and all without the main man, Cristiano Ronaldo. A two-match sanction robbed them of the man from Madeira, and an injury crisis robbed them of many more, but they put Deportivo La Coruña to bed with a scintillating first-half display which yielded goals from Granero and Karim Benzema. The Frenchmans goal was all down to a moment of cold-blooded genius from Guti, who was through on goal but decided to back-heel the ball back to Benzema who didnt fail from the middle of the area. The second half saw Madrid take their foot of the gas, and even though Riki converted from the spot after a dubious trip from Sergio Ramos, Benzema sealed the deal in stoppage time after a neat cutback from Arbeloa. The pressure was really on after Barca had beaten Sporting earlier, but Real Madrid had all the answers and proved they can do it without their €96 million man.

La Liga Results Matchday 14: Who needs Kaká and CR9?

Valencia 2 - 3 Real Madrid

(0-1) 54' Higuaín, (1-1) 60' Villa, (1-2) 65' Higuaín, (2-2) 80' Joaquín, (2-3) 83' Garay

• Many, including me, expected Valencia to spring a surprise today, especially with Kaká and CR9 missing. Real Madrid were having none of it as they put in a perfect counter-attacking display, lead by Higuaín, to stun 'Los Che'.  The only negative was the shattering news that Pepe might have suffered knee ligament damage after falling awkwardly in the first half.
  
• David Villa got his goal but it was to no avail as Gonzalo Higuaín proved he is just as lethal in the area with two brilliantly taken goals. Benzema set up the first with a lovely chipped cross and had a busy night, always offering an outlet upfront and hounding the Valencia defence. All that's failing him right now is the final pass or shot, but that will come with time.
  
• Valencia fought back twice but seemed a little out of sorts in the second half after a lively opening. Mata and Pablo Hernandez couldnt quite get into the match, but that was probably down to solid defensive work from Arbeloa, Ramos and Lass. Iker Casillas had an absolute shocker with both Valencia goals, but Garay got him out of jail and sent Real Madrid 6 points clear of Unai Emerys team. Only two in it now? I fear so.
  

Barcelona 1 - 0 Espanyol

(1-0) 39' Ibrahimovic (p)

• The formbook was well and truly ripped up in this one as Espanyol gave as good as they got against their illustrious neighbours in a heated Catalan derby. Forlín and Parejo played blinders for the visitors as Iniesta and Xavi were squeezed out of the match, leaving Ibrahimovic to feed off scraps. The only thing Espanyol lacked was a presence upfront. They desparately need a goalscorer in January.
  
• Leo Messi was presented with his Ballon D'Or prior to kick off but he was sorely missed during the match. There had been a massive debate this week in Spain about who is most negatively affected: Barca without Messi or Real Madrid without Cristiano. Perhaps tonight gave a slight clue.
  
• Pep Guardiola has claimed that Baena had conceded that he did give away a penalty. I have my suspicions about that, as Xavi tripped himself up. Zlatan blanked out the controversy to smash in the pen. Has anyone noticed that all of his goals have come from first touches? Flicks, volleys, headers, pens and free-kicks. He is a sublime footballer.
  

Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Athletic Bilbao

(0-1) 60' San Jose, (0-2) 81' Susaeta, (1-2) 91' Diogo

• Real Zaragoza are in deep trouble, especially as news broke minutes after the match that coach Marcelino had been given the boot. It seems the Zaragoza directors havn't learned their lesson from 2007/2008 when they went through four coaches and got relegated. Marcelino had been working miracles with what he had at his disposal. The defence is a laughing stock.
  
• But that won't bother Joaquin Caparros and his men as they continue their solid start to the season with a fine away win. Iker Muniain came on in the 58th minute with the score locked at 0-0. 25 mins later it was 0-2 after two inch perfect assists from the little star. What a future he has ahead of him.
  
• So what now for Real Zaragoza? Ex-player Jose Aurelio Gay takes temporary charge as they search a replacement. Money has to be made available to the new manager in January, as Ayala and Pavon just don't cut it at this level. Neither does Arizmendi upfront, but with limited funds they might have to make do.

Truce between Tamudo and Espanyol

Since September 12th, when Espanyol took on Real Madrid during the second weekend of the season, Raúl Tamudo has been an unused squad player. An injury in that match prevented him from playing in the next four league fixtures, but since then a falling out with the club has lead to him being sidelined for 'technical' reasons. This caused him to miss games against Tenerife, Sevilla, Valladolid, Sporting and Getafe.

It seems it was a misunderstanding engineered by Tamudo's agent looking for a final flush of euros, or even Tamudos refusal to take over captaincy duties following the tragic death of Dani Jarque. Whatever the cause, Tamudo and the club directors had a serious falling out. What followed was a teary press conference from the player and some verbal ping-pong between both parties in the press. It appeared Tamudos days in Espanyol were numbered. But an olive branch has finally been offered today in Tamudos naming in the Espanyol squad for tommorrows cup tie against Getafe.

A club icon and former captain, Tamudo has scored 129 top-flight goals for Espanyol since he broke through into the first team in 1996, and ignoring brief flirtatations with Rangers and Newcastle, it has never looked likely that Tamudo would or even could play anywhere else. A supremely gifted footballer, who has scored some sublime goals in his time (one a superb chip over Casillas in 2007, below), Tamudo is exactly what Espanyol have been missing during a poor run of 3 wins and 8 goals in 11 league and cup matches. Both player and club will hope an end has been put to this unfortunate saga.

Saturday Round-Up: 24.09.10

Real Madrid were left to rue an injury crisis that has left them blunted upfront, as they drew 0-0 away to Sporting Gijon. In a match that was dominated by the hosts in the first half, Madrid stepped it up in the second with Gijon indebted to keeper Juan Pablo who kept them in the match with crucial saves from Kaká and Granero. It´s clear Madrid already rely too heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo, with ´Cristianodependencia´ the latest phrase coined by the national press, so Pelligrini´s got plenty of work to do on the training ground as they await his return.

It seems there are no limits to the farcical situation at Atletico Madrid. 1-0 up at home and with Mallorca down to nine men for most of the second half, they somehow succumbed to a 92nd minute equaliser from Borja Valero. Atletico were gifted two penalties within the first 52 mins, with the first sent wide by Forlan, only to make amends with the second. Both those penalty decisions saw Mallorcan defenders handle in the area, and both saw them recieving their marching orders with second yellows. But instead of dominating, Atletico were caught out time after time and it was no surprise when Mallorca equalised at the death. The final whistle prompted ugly scenes as 500 fans attempted to gatecrash the president´s balcony, as the Vicente Calderon soap opera continues.

The other match on saturday saw Sevilla and Espanyol share the spoils in a 0-0 draw at the Sanchez Pizjuan. An entertaining match that swung from end to end, Sevilla were left frustrated by a fantastic performance from flamboyant keeper Carlos Kameni, who made several vital interventions, most notably a fingertip save from Perotti´s free kick. Sevilla piled forward after Pareja´s red card in the 60th minute, but to no avail. Sevilla are the only team that can be realistically expected to challenge the top two this year, so they´ll be disappointed not to come away with three points against a limited Espanyol side.

Sporting Gijon 0 - 0 Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Mallorca
Sevilla 0 - 0 Espanyol