Almeria 0 - 8 Barcelona (Highlights)

Almeria 0 - 8 Barcelona

As preparations for a Clasico go, it doesn't get much better than this. Almeria were ripped to shreds by a rampant Barcelona who showed signs that they are hitting top form at just the right moment. From the moment the first ball was kicked it was a barrage of attacks from Barca as Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa picked off the Almeria defence at will. The Almeria players had stated they would fight to save their managers job, but they were utterly outclassed by an unforgiving Barca team. Xavi and Iniesta had the freedom of the park to control the match from the middle, while the ease with which Messi and Pedro got into scoring positions was embarrassing at times. There's no doubt playing against this Barcelona side in this form is a daunting task for any team, but once the third goal went in after 26 minutes, heads dropped and you feared for Juanma Lillos men. It was hard not to feel sorry for them.

As it turned out Barcelona racked up an incredible eight goals, the first time they have done so for over half a century. Not even when they were 0-5 up at half-time did Barca take the foot off the pedal, surely desparate to strike fear into Real Madrid. It was incessant. Messi grabbed a lethal hattrick, Andres Iniesta took advantage of a defensive mishap to sidefoot in. Pedro showed lightning speed to latch onto a superb long ball from Hector Font to nick the ball past a crestfallen Diego Alves. Bojan came on as a second-half substitute to score twice and stake a solid claim for some kind of a role next Monday. Barcas performance was brutal. Unforgiving. The final whistle brought an end to the home sides misery and marked the end of Juanma Lillos reign at Almeria. What a way to go. For Barca, though, it was the perfect way to warm up for next Mondays big one.

Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick as Real Madrid storm to Mallorca win (Highlights)

Mallorca 1 - 4 Real Madrid
(1-0) 16' Aduriz, (1-1) 27' C. Ronaldo, (1-2) 57' C. Ronaldo, (1-3) 72' C. Ronaldo, (1-4) 81' Higuain

If Real Madrid end up snatching the league this year, they have one man to thank. Tonight Cristiano Ronaldo was absolutely inspired as he continued his one-man march to Liga glory. The Portuguese star dragged Real Madrid out of a sticky situation and into a position of complete dominance with three clinically taken goals. Mallorca, spurred on by a virtuoso display from West Brom reject Borja Valero (Xavi mark-two), peppered Iker Casillas' goal on several occasions during an impressive first half; Aritz Aduriz taking advantage of  some slack defending to put Gregorio Manzanos side infront. Casillas had to be at his agile best to keep Mallorca out thereafter, which allowed Cristiano to break into stride and single-handedly destroy the islanders with three goals that mixed class with hunger and desire. If you study each goal, in what was a stunning hat-trick, every single strike required Ronaldo to stretch that extra inch to beat the keeper or the defender. It's exactly what has defined the former World Player of the Year during his career; a willingness to push himself that extra yard; to stick his body on the line in pursuit of trophies and footballing superstardom. If only he would drop the arrogance that goes with it.

Gonzalo Higuain ended his mini goal drought with the fourth, a gorgeous chip, as Real Madrid passed their potential banana skin with flying colours. I guess La Liga will now be decided on saturday at the Sanchez Pizjuan, as anything less than a win for Barca would put Madrid firmly in the driving seat. I just cannot envisage them dropping points against Bilbao at home nor Malaga away. Not with a freescoring Ronaldo involved. So with Sevilla coming into form at just the wrong time for Barcelona, Manuel Pellegrini could well end what has been a traumatic debut season (Alcorconazo or Lyonazo anyone?) with a trophy and a record Liga points haul; a record which Barca and Real Madrid have already surpassed, underlining their complete dominance of Spanish football.

Racing Santander 1 - 5 Sevilla
(0-1) 2' Negredo, (0-2) 20' Kanoute (p), (0-3) 46' Navas, (0-4) 48' Capel, (1-4) 61' Tchité, (1-5) 88' Negredo

This match was over as early as twenty minutes into the contest as a relegation-threatened Racing Santander wilted under a Sevilla onslaught. When Jesus Navas and Diego Capel are on-song out on the wings, Sevilla are a force to be reckoned with, as Barcelona will surely find out this weekend when they meet on saturday night. The win moved Sevilla up to fourth, with their Champions Leagues ambitions back on track, especially with Mallorca faltering. As for Racing Santander, stranded on 36 points, the last two matchdays are going to be nervous affairs. They need Sergio Canales more than ever before his trip down to Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid 3 - 1 Real Valladolid
(1-0) 43' Juanito, (2-0) 67' Jurado, (3-0) 73' Forlan, (3-1) 78' Sesma

Real Valladolid put up an admirable fight for 43 minutes, but once Juanito had struck the first for Atletico, Valladolid accepted the inevitability of defeat. Before that goal, Manucho, Borja and Diego Costa had chances to open the scoring but they were left to rue their profligacy as Atletico Madrid took charge in the second half. The defeat leaves Real Valladolid with one foot in La Segunda, as they will surely need to get something at the Camp Nou on the last day to stay up. We all know that's not going to happen.

Real Zaragoza 1 - 0 Espanyol
(1-0) 78' Colunga (p)

While Espanyol were already practically guaranteed top flight football next year, Real Zaragoza followed suit with a controversial victory at La Romareda. Led by another stirring performance from young Ander Herrera, linked with Arsenal not too long ago, Real Zaragoza  will avoid the ignomany of two years ago when they succumbed to relegation on the final day of the season, as they sank Espanyol by the one goal. They have infamous ref Iturralde Gonzalez to thank after he awarded them a dubious penalty which was cooly converted by Adrian Colunga. What a purchase Colunga has been.

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Malaga
(1-0) 4' Toquero, (1-1) 20' Duda

Osasuna 3 - 1 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 11' Camuñas, (1-1) 15' Riki, (2-1) 24' Pandiani, (3-1) 32' Juanfran

Messi, Bojan and Pedro combine to sink plucky Tenerife (Highlights)

Barcelona 4 - 1 Tenerife
(1-0) 17' Messi, (1-1) 39' Roman, (2-1) 63' Bojan, (3-1) 77' Pedro, (4-1) 93' Messi

A victory made in Barcelona. Lionel Messi (2), Pedro and Bojan scored the goals that saw Barcelona open up a four point gap (again) with only two matches to play. After Messi had dinked in the first, Carlos Puyol committed defensive suicide as half-time approached to let in Roman, whose goal gave hope to those watching in the Canaries and Madrid. But a dominant second half display saw Barca rattle in three goals in soaking conditions to ensure Real Madrid enter tomorrows clash against Mallorca under a little bit of added pressure. Tenerife simply didnt have the quality to trouble Guardiolas men after the break, with their hopes of survival taking at predictable jolt at the Camp Nou.

The fact that Jose Luis Oltra left out topscorer Nino, along with Alfaro and Marc Bertran, showed that bigger battles lay ahead for the Tinerfeños. While Lionel Messi basks in the glory of 31 league goals (and 44 in total), poor old Zlatan Ibrahimovic slouched off, subbed in the second half, after another anonymous display. Just as well the summer break is around the corner and Sweden aren´t in the World Cup. A rest will do him good.

Valencia 3 - 1 Xerez

(0-1) 37' Armenteros, (1-1) 45' Mata, (2-1) 57' Mata, (3-1) 67' Silva

Rather suitably, 'mata' means 'he kills' in Spanish. And thats exactly what Juan Mata did tonight to Xerezs fading hopes of saving themselves from dropping out of La Liga. When Emilio Armeteros scored the opener, I really thought that Xerez could pull another away win out of the bag. They momentarily lifted themselves off the foot of the table and the miracle escape was on; lead by the god-like figure of Nestor Gorosito. So it was a pity they couldn't get to half-time one up, as Mata curled in a delicious free-kick in added time. That goal gave the second half a whole new complexion, with Valencia fine-tuning their starstudded forward line for a 45 minute barrage which lead to a second for Mata and a goal for David Silva. Time for Xerez to start praying; wins for Malaga and Racing Santander tomorrow will send them down.

Almeria 4 - 2 Villarreal

(1-0) 14' Crusat, (2-0) 28' Uche, (3-0) 42' Uche, (3-1) 53' Marcano, (3-2) 66' Ibagaza, (4-2) 92' Piatti

Almeria made the most of their pace and trickery upfront to seal three points which almost certainly confirms their participation in La Liga next season. A mixture of searing speed from Crusat, an early sending off for Villarreals Mussachio and deadly finishing from Kala Uche ensured Almeria surged into a 3-0 lead. But back came Garridos side with two goals that had Juegos Mediterraneos stadium sweating until Piatti struck late on the seal the deal. I like the looks of Crusat and Piatti. Don't be surprised if bigger clubs whisk them away in the summer.

Getafe 1 - 1 Sporting Gijon

(0-1) 17' De Las Cuevas, (1-1) 47' Soldado

Roberto Soldado emerged from a month and a half out through injury to score a belting overhead kick which lifted Getafe into the Europa League positions and meant that Sporting have to wait another few days to mathematically save themselves from the drop. The goal from De Las Cuevas wasn't half bad either.

Last gasp Cristiano Ronaldo header keeps Real Madrid in title hunt (Highlights)

Real Madrid 3 - 2 Osasuna
(0-1) 5' Aranda, (1-1) 23' Cristiano Ronaldo, (1-2) 41' Vadocz, (2-2) 43' Marcelo, (3-2) 89' Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a last gasp header to keep Real Madrid in the title hunt, still only one point behind Barca. After Barcelona had dispatched of Villarreal with consumate ease yesterday, there was a certain element of pressure on Real Madrid today as they took on Jose Antonio Camachos Osasuna. Not a great performance, as Cristianos frank post-match assessment testified, but they got the job done. Sheer determination to grind out a result, coupled with a goal-hungry Cristiano Ronaldo, got Real Madrid through, after they had fell behind twice to an Osasuna side who were only playing for pride, but showed no signs of making it easy for the hosts.

Had Masoud scored an absolute sitter with the score at 2-2, it could well have been curtains for Real Madrids league challenge, as Osasuna frequently took advantage of some woeful defending. Unfortunately for Barca fans he sliced the chance hopelessly wide, and with seconds left Ronaldo stooped to nod in Higuains pinpoint cross to maintain the pressure on their Catalan rivals with three matches to play. The only hope they've got is a favour from Sevilla in two weeks time, cause you can't imagine Barca dropping points at home against Tenerife or Valladolid. For Real Madrid the most difficult remaining fixture is Mallorca away. Having rescued their hopes in the dying minutes of their last two league fixtures, it seems Barca will need 99 points to win it. Real Madrid are in no mood to go down without a fight.

Sevilla 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

(1-0) 5' Luis Fabiano, (1-1) 7' Thiago, (2-1) 12' Negredo (p), (3-1) 39' Negredo (p)

Just what Sevilla needed to continue in the hunt for that final Champions League; a weary Atletico Madrid, fresh from a marathon Europa League semi against Liverpool. Truth be told, they have performed worse this season, though having drawn level after Luis Fabiano fired Sevilla into an early lead, two penalties, which followed two slightly contentious decisions from underfire ref Perez Burrull,  coverted expertly by Alvaro Negredo gave Sevilla the spoils in a dress rehearsal for this months Copa del Rey final. Only negative for Sevilla (and Real Madrid) was a sprain to Luis Fabianos ankle, which will see him miss the league encounter against Barcelona. As for Atletico, the league is simply a practice ground for their two upcoming cup finals, although this defeat will leave Sevilla in positive mood ahead of their cup showdown at the Camp Nou.

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 3 Mallorca

(0-1) 43' Chori Castro, (1-1) 46' Llorente, (1-2) 49' Nunes, (1-3) 51' Aduriz

Gregorio Manzano: Manager of the Year 2009/2010. Without a shadow of a doubt. A stunning away victory at Athletic Bilbao which keeps them in fourth place, two points ahead of fifth place Sevilla. One of the stories of the season. Getting Mallorca into the Champions League would be on a par with Fulham winning the Europa League (perhaps) and Steve McClarens FC Twente winning the Dutch League. Players like Chori Castro, Borja Valero and Julio Alvarez have blossomed under the guidance of the experienced manager and what was once a distant dream is now very much a realistic prospect. Bravo.

Messi double helps Barcelona see off Villarreal in El Madrigal (Highlights)

Villarreal 1 - 4 Barcelona
(0-1) 18' Messi, (0-2) 33' Xavi, (0-3) 41' Bojan, (1-3) 68' Llorente, (1-4) 87' Messi

Xerez 2 - 1 Almeria
(1-0) 27' Armenteros, (1-1) 33' Soriano, (2-1) 93' Bermejo

Real Valladolid 0 - 0 Getafe

Malaga 1 - 1 Sporting Gijon
(0-1) 43' Apoño (o.g), (1-1) 79' Caicedo

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 1 Real Zaragoza
(0-1) 49' Colunga

Espanyol 0 - 2 Valencia
(0-1) 61' Zigic, (0-2) 73' Zigic

Tenerife 2 - 1 Racing Santander
(1-0) 45' Roman, (2-0) 55' Ayoze (p), (2-1) 71' Xisco

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

Bojan to the double as Barca breeze past Bilbao (Highlights)

Barcelona 4 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
(1-0) 26' Jeffren, (2-0) 41' Bojan, (3-0) 58' Bojan, (4-0) 66' Messi, (4-1) 76' Susaeta

I read recently that many 'people' thought Barcelona didn't have a strong squad. Made me chuckle. Those who doubted before, can surely doubt no more. Today against Athletic Bilbao, Jeffren, Bojan, Pedro and Jonathon all got minutes. Chygrynskiy played at centre-back and Maxwell filled in out on the left wing. Not one let Guardiola down. A team challenging for the Champions League positions no less where in town. 90 minutes and four goals later, those who had questioned the strength in depth were eating their words and Pep was back to the drawing board for Tuesdays tie against Arsenal. Tonight Bojan was back to his best. Two clinically taken goals reminded everyone why he caused such a fuss when he arrived on the scene two years ago. Victor Valdes continues to put his name forward for that final goalkeeper slot in Del Bosques squad. He's got the quality, no doubt about it, but when you consider what role the third keeper usually plays during a World Cup, namely a glorified cheerleader, you suspect he might miss the cut. Lionel Messi joined the party late on with a well-taken goal to make it 26 league goals for the season. Athletic had started strongly, but once Bojan had put Barca 1-0 up, they slowly disintegrated into a disorganised mess. It happens to the best of them in the Camp Nou. So onto Arsenal, and then you know who.

Real Zaragoza 2 - 0 Malaga
(1-0) 45' Ponzio, (2-0) 75' Suazo

Slowly but surely Real Zaragoza are dragging themselves away from the bottom three, and it seems certain that La Romareda will be welcoming first division football next season. Many questioned the appointment of ex-player Jose Aurelio Gay, if for nothing else but his unfortunate surname, but the man has worked wonders, and turned around a squad that was low and confidence and staring a second straight relegation full on in the face. The winter signings have also played their part, alongside the mercurial Ander Herrera, who continues to attract the interest of Arsene Wenger. The tricky youngster would be right at home in The Emirates. Today Ponzio set Zaragoza on the road to 32 points, with a bullet from outside the box that brought back memories of Diogos screamer last week against Valencia. 'Chupete' Suazo sealed the points with a well-taken strike on the volley, as Malaga offered very little. Infact they offered nothing and they are now rooted in a relegation dogfight. Ah, and can someone please explain to me why taking your shirt off in celebration of a goal warrants a yellow card? Lunacy.

Sevilla 3 - 0 Tenerife

(1-0) 22' Kanoute, (2-0) 44' Fabiano, (3-0) 88' Jose Carlos

Sevilla finally got their Champions League push back on track with a solid victory over relegation-doomed Tenerife, who are still to register a win away from home this season. It wasn't spectacular by any means, and before Frederic Kanoute slotted in their first, there were some hairy moments at the back, but the most important thing tonight were the three points. Luis Fabiano got back into goalscoring ways with a sumptuous turn and finish, before youth team product Jose Carlos wrapped things up with a delicious free-kick. Back in business at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Real Madrid fight back to take the derby honours against Atletico

Real Madrid 3 - 2 Atletico Madrid
(0-1) 10' Reyes, (1-1) 49' Alonso, (2-1) 55' Arbeloa, (3-1) 62' Higuaín, (3-2) 67' Forlán

Real Madrid leapfrog Barca yet again after an action-packed derby against Atletico Madrid. 'Los Rojiblancos' even managed to make it to halftime a goal to the good after Jose Antonio Reyes' confident finish past Casillas, but from that point on there was only one team in it. Atletico inexplicably retreated into their own half, and Real Madrid took control. De Gea had to be at his best to ensure Atleti started the second half in the lead, but within 17 minutes they found themselves 3-1 down as Alonso, Arbeloa and Higuain all found the net with Real Madrid threatening to run riot. Higuains goal will have especially angered Quique as farcical errors from Thiago (who had played well up to that point) and Assuncao allowed Higuain a free run on goal, and the Argentine rarely fails to find the back of the net when one on one, and tonight was no different. Diego Forlán quickly made it 3-2 after a crazy handball by Xabi Alonso was punished with a penalty (but oddly not even a yellow card), but bar a chance for Forlán with only seconds remaining, that was as close as it would get for Atletico. It's looking increasingly like El Clasico on April 10th is going to be the defining match in this seasons Liga battle.

Villarreal 3 - 0 Sevilla
(1-0) 4' Rossi (2-0) 17' Llorente (3-0) 90' Pires

Sevilla are slowly but surely falling out of the Champions League race as they fell to another morale-sapping defeat at the hands of Villarreal. With Jesus Navas and Diego Perotti out, Sevilla lack a plan B, with Luis Fabiano and Alvaro Negredo starved of service. Villarreal on the other hand were inspired, with Cani, Ibergaza, Rossi and Nilmar simply too much to handle for Sevillas back four. Guiseppe Rossi got the first, running onto Nilmars pass, whilst Joseba Llorente took advantage of another assist from the Brazilian to put the match out of sight for the visitors. Luis Fabiano had a couple of chances to half the deficit, but shot uncharacteristically straight at the keeper on both occasions. Late sub Robert Pires then put the icing on the cake for Juan Garridos men as he slipped the ball past the onrushing Palop to give the scoreline a more realistic reflection. As the Submarine rises towards the European spots, Sevilla see their Champions League ambitions take another blow. A team short on confidence and ideas, Antonio Alvarez has a huge job on his hands.

Xerez 3 - 0 Real Valladolid

(1-0) 1' Victor Sanchez, (2-0) 35' Michel, (3-0) 71' Bermejo (p)

This was supposed to be the last chance saloon for Xerez, as defeat to a direct rival like Real Valladolid would spell almost certain relegation. Just as well the team from Chapin are saving the best for last as they chalked up their eleventh point out of the last 18 available in their search of a footballing miracle. Few people give them a chance but try telling that to the Xerez players, as they close the gap on Real Valladolid to two points and are now only seven away from Real Zaragoza who sit just above the bottom three. Victor Sanchez set them on the road to victory with a goal after only a minute following good work from little Fabiano Orellana. Momo then sent over a superb free-kick which left Michel with the simple task of nodding past Justo Villar, as the Real Valladolid defence crumbled. If todays performance is anything to go by, Valladolid are doomed, as they hardly created a noteworthy chance in the first half, with Manucho an isolated figure upfront. The second half saw much of the same, as Xerez had various chances to extend their lead, and did so with 20 minutes left after a dubious penalty decision from controversial ref Perez Burrul. From where I was sat it looked like Mario Bermejo slipped as he rounded Justo Villar, but Burrul gave the penalty and sent the keeper off. With all their subs already used, Medjunanin went in goal, only to pick the ball straight out of the net as Bermejo made no mistake from the spot. Chapin then went into party mode. The great escape is still very much alive.

Deportivo la Coruña 1 - 3 Getafe

(0-1) 21' Miku, (0-2) 32' Ze Castro, (0-3) 57' Miku, (1-3) 71' Riki

Osasuna 1 - 0 Almeria

(1-0) 20' Pandiani

Espanyol 0 - 0 Sporting Gijon

Ibrahimovic to the rescue as Barca struggle to see off Mallorca (Highlights)

Mallorca 0 - 1 Barcelona
(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)

La Liga Sunday: Atletico Madrid saved by last gasp Ibra

Real Zaragoza 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid

(1-0) 5' Jarosik, (1-1) 92' Ibra

Real Zaragoza were left to rue their inability to sink ten men Atlético as they succumbed to a last gasp leveller from substitute Ibra. 'Los Maños' were hardly spectacular, but they had the better of the chances as Atlético Madrid failed to live up to the lofty expectation their recent form has created. Teixeira Vitienes delivered a refereeing performance of such inaptitute, with the faltering reputation of Spanish referees plunging to new depths as he perplexed everyone with some astonishingly poor decisions. Poor Jose Antonio Reyes the principle victim, as the inspired winger was kicked into the ground with Real Zaragoza employing some robust tactics to stem the Atlético tide. Jiri Jarosik had headed Zaragoza into an early lead, and when an utterly fed-up Reyes was sent off for flinging out a stray elbow which connected with Eliseu, the home team looked on course to collect a much-needed three points. That was until late substitute Ibra powered in a header in the dying seconds from Jurados cross, to rescue ten-men Atletico a point. Shame is, the match will be remembered for some inept refereeing which saw the man in black, so horribly out of his depth, show nine yellow cards.

La Liga Monday: David Villa strikes twice to sink Getafe

Valencia 2 - 1 Getafe

(1-0) 39' Villa, (2-0) 52' Villa, (2-1) 76' Manu

Valencia fought their way to a vital three points in their fight for the best of the rest, as David Villa returned to goalscoring ways with a double that ultimately sunk a battling Getafe. 'Chori' Dominguez is starting to show why Unai Emery was so keen to sign him this winter as he put in a fine shift, frequently leaving Cata Diaz in his wake as Valencia mounted a series of attacks in the opening half. Indeed it was the Argentinian who set up David Villas first with a burst of pace that took him past the defender, and an inch-perfect cross which only required a simple touch from Villa. Valencia may not be watertight in defence but if you give them space in attack, they are capable of tearing apart any defence, as David Silva and David Villa showed with the second; Silva stealing the ball and setting lose Villa who produced a delightful chip which left an onrushing Codina grasping at thin air. Alexis was harshly sent off for a second yellow after an hour, and even though Manu pulled one back for Getafe, the locals held on to move four points ahead of Sevilla.

La Liga Sunday: The Cristiano Ronaldo Show

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Villarreal

(1-0) 18' Cristiano Ronaldo, (2-0) 20' Kaká (p), (2-1) 30' Senna, (3-1) 54' Higuaín, (3-2) 66' Nilmar, (4-2) 71' Higuaín, (5-2) 79' Kaká, (6-2) 87' Alonso (p)

Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly ripped Villarreal apart as he scored a free-kick and set up three more as Real Madrid kept up their 100% record at the Bernabeu. The Portuguese star was simply untouchable with a magical show of speed, trickery and pure power. His free-kick was almost as unstoppable as his barnstorming runs, and Villarreal had no answer. Gonzalo Higuaín and Kaká chipped in with two goals apiece, as Real Madrid served up some scintillating football to appease those fans who had been calling for Manuel Pelligrinis head after the defeat in Lyon. Though there will still be some who will be concerned with how Madrid kept letting Villarreal back in the match early on, although both goals from the Yellow Submarine were worthy of a game of such quality. Back to two points behind Barcelona, the battle for La Liga is hotting up nicely.

La Liga Saturday: Barcelona steamroll Racing Santander (Highlights)

Barcelona 4 - 0 Racing Santander

(1-0) Iniesta, (2-0) Henry, (3-0) Marquez, (4-0) Thiago

A comfortable, if unspectacular, victory for Barcelona against a Racing Santander side that looked beaten from the start. Barca moved the ball around well in the first half, even without their midfield crafstman Xavi Hernandez, but it was the helping hand of an absent Racing defence that allowed Iniesta to slot his side infront (unbelievably his first goal since that famous strike against Chelsea last season), before two beautifully crafted free-kicks from Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez put them out of sight before half-time. The second half saw Barcelona take the foot off the accelerator, as you would expect with their Champions League tie against Stuttgart coming up this week. Youngster Thiago put the icing on the cake with a deflected goal in the dying minutes, his first in a Barca shirt. Sergio Canales didnt enjoy his first visit to the Camp Nou as a Real Madrid player, as Racing Santander offered very little in a one-sided affair. The pressure is now on Real Madrid as they prepare to host Villarreal tomorrow, with their rivals now 5 points ahead once more.

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.

LA LIGA ROUND UP: Matchday 12 - 29.11.09

Believe it or not there were six other matches today in La Liga. Among the main headlines: Atlético Madrid finally get back to winning ways against Espanyol as Agüero comes good AND they keep a clean sheet, Getafe smash Xerez for five as Soldado bags a hat-trick, Osasuna take the honours in their 'local' derby against Real Zaragoza, Tenerife storm back from 3-0 down to take a point from their match at Real Valladolid and Athletic Bilbao give Almería an absolute pasting. 31 goals in all this weekend which makes it more than three a match. Good stuff. Only bad news is that it got really cold in Spain today, lot of rain around, and I had to watch El Clasico in the street as they didn't televise the match on terrestrial TV and all the bars were rammed. Should have stuck with the trusty radio....or perhaps gone to one of the 51 cinemas that were showing the match across Spain. Old School.

ALMERÍA 1 - 4 ATHLETIC BILBAO
(0-1) 39' Javi Martínez, (0-2) 43' Ustariz, (0-3) 60' Llorente, (0-4) 77' De Marcos, (1-4) 84' Uche (p)

RACING 0 - 1 DEPORTIVO LA CORUÑA

(0-1) 76' Lopo

VALLADOLID 3 - 3 TENERIFE

(1-0) 28' Diego Costa, (2-0) 36' Canobbio (p), (3-0) 50' Diego Costa, (3-1) 60' Nino, (3-2) 71' Ángel,  (3-3) 85' Ayoze

ATLÉTICO MADRID 4 - 0 ESPANYOL

(1-0) 26' Forlán, (2-0) 61' Agüero, (3-0) 84' Agüero, (4-0) 88' Maxi

GETAFE 5 - 1 XEREZ

(0-1) 31' Aythami, (1-1) 44' Soldado, (2-1) 45' Soldado (p), (3-1) 57' Parejo, (4-1) 58' Soldado, (5-1) 60' Casquero

ZARAGOZA 0 - 1 OSASUNA

(0-1) 27' Nekounam

LA LIGA RESULTS + HIGHLIGHTS: 28.11.09

SPORTING 1 - 0 VILLARREAL

Villarreal never got going in this one and they see their recent comeback put to a halt. Nilmar, Pires and Rossi never got into the match, and you know if they don't play well, the yellow submarine is going to struggle. Senna was their best player on the day, performing his habitual task of breaking things up in the middle but with nothing going on ahead of him it was a lonely existence for the Brazilian-born midfielder. Diego Lopez kept up his reputation as a spot-kick expert with saves from two Gijon penalties.

Unfortunately for Lopez, Sportings Croatian striker Mate Bilic was first to react from the first save and slotted in after 75 mins to give his side the three points. They're surprising everyone this season, and find themselves a point off the European places, although it's doubtful they'll be able to maintain this superb run for much longer. Saying that, relegation doesnt look likely either and thats something coach Preciado would have settled for before a ball was kicked in September.

VALENCIA 1 - 1 MALLORCA

Not a great day for the 'Los Che' as they let a goal lead slip and lost David Silva to a serious looking injury. Valencia were dominating when Silva went down clutching his knee and their play suffered without the little playmaker from the Canary Islands. I'd put him at the same level as Iniesta, he's that good, and without him Valencia lacked the same bite in attack; let's hope he's back soon. That said Villa and Pablo Hernandez had chances to put their team out of sight but they found Mallorca keeper Aouate in inspired form.

Villa tapped in three minutes into the second half after Benenga had shot across the area, but they couldn't find the killer second goal. And they were made to pay because five minutes from time defender Bruno inexplicably barged into Castro in the area (god knows what he was thinking), and former West Brom midfielder Borja completed the formalities from 12 yards. Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano must be favourite to take over from Del Bosque when he retires as Spain coach, because the man is tactical genius personified. Bravo.

SEVILLA 2 - 2 MALAGA

So much for my 4-0 prediction! And if it was a long night for any team it was most definitely for Sevilla. They had several clear chances in the first half, whilst Malaga had two. And yet it was the away side who went in at half time 0-2 up. Fernando side-footed in after some choas in the Sevilla area, and former Sevillano Duda struck the second after a deflected shot fell into his path. But the Portguese winger enjoyed that. He certainly looked like he did.

Luckily for Sevilla they have a lad upfront called Luis Fabiano, and he's lethal. Two chances came his way in the second half and he stuck them both away. First was a bullet header, the second a glorious low strike from a Kanoute flick. He is now tenth in Sevillas list of all-time top goalscorers, and his price tag just keeps on rising.