La Liga Matchday 12: Mallorca Storm To Win In Sanchez Pizjuan

Sevilla 1 - 2 Mallorca


It ended up being an unhappy reunion for Gregorio Manzano with his old club Mallorca, as the islanders shocked the Sanchez Pizjuan with a late winner from Webo. The match was a tale of two halves as Mallorca controlled the first 45 minutes, Marti and Joao Victor shielding the back four admirably, while Chori Castro and Michael Pereira looked dangerous down the wings. And it was the Frenchman Pereira who deservedly put the visitors infront with a neat left-footed finish past Palop following good work from Castro. Whatever Manzano said at half-time worked, because Sevilla came out a different side and began to exert serious pressure on Dudu Aouates goal. Alvaro Negredo was enjoying a hefty battle with Nunes and Ruben, with Luis Fabiano looking more and more dangerous as the match wore on.

And it was 'El Fabuloso' who finally gave Sevilla reward for their dominance. The Brazilian had just whistled a header past the post when he latched onto a fine Renato pass to finish confidently past Aouate. The goal looked to have lifted Sevilla from the jaws of defeat, but there was to be one more twist. Mallorca, who had been severely under the cosh the whole second half, summoned one last sucker punch as almost immediately after Sevilla's equaliser, Marti lifted a free-kick into the box which was headed superbly into the net by Cameroon striker Webo. The referee added five minutes of added time in a frantic finale, but Sevilla couldn't find a way through. Gregorio Manzano won't remember the match fondly as the top four still eludes Sevilla.


Real Sociedad 2 - 4 Atletico Madrid

Diego Forlan and Sergio Agüero are back in the money and how Atletico are reaping the rewards. Real Sociedad looked to be on course for a worthy win over Atleti after 70 minutes after Joseba Llorente had given them an early lead, the striker taking advantage of a slip from Tomas Ujfalusi to tap in from close range on 12 minutes although who quite got the last touch was difficult to see. From then on Sociedads rearguard restricted Atleticos dangermen to potshots from outside the area as Agüero and Forlan struggled to find a way past Ansotegi and Gonzalez.

That was until twenty minutes from time when the game saw five goals in a frenzied finale. Agüero and Forlan suddenly clicked into gear, with 'El Kun' controlling a long ball majestically before laying off to Forlan to level the match. Ten minutes later Agüero got his name on the scoresheet, finishing from close range from an Ujfalusi cross. Atletis third followed in the 82nd minute as Agüero got his second of the night after Bravo had thwarted Forlan, the ball running lose in the area, with Agüero making no mistake from the rebound. Real Sociedad were out for the count, but a stunning goal from Diego Rivas from outside the area breathed renewed hope into his side. There was to be more drama as Jose Antonio Reyes was brought down on one of his winding runs, Simoa making up for a mistake in the lead up to Sociedads second by converting from the spot. The result sees Atletico jump up to sixth while Real Sociedad remain in ninth.


Espanyol 3 - 0 Hercules

Espanyol continued their unbeaten run at Cornella with a sixth win on the bounce, overpowering a disapointing Hercules 3-0. Considered one of the fortresses of La Liga, the Estadio Cornella El Prat has witnessed their team go from strength to strength this season, lead by the pure class of striker Pablo Osvaldo. The Argentinian has been a revelation in this Espanyol side, always carrying a threat and always capable of nicking a goal or two. Espanyol's first was the fruit of Osvaldos touch and vision as he lead a clinical counter attack, laying the ball off for Verdu who slotted past Calatayud.

The goal knocked the wind out of Hercules, and with Royston Drenthe missing and David Trezeguet and Nelson Valdez unable to assert themselves in attack, Esteban Vigo's outfit never looked like dragging themselves back into the match. And when they did find a route to goal, Carlos Kameni was equal to anything thrown at him. As soon as Hercules goalkeeper Juan Calatauyd was sent off for upending Osvaldo the match was all but over. Osvaldo picked himself to dispatch the penalty. There was to be another penalty for the home side when Vazquez was fouled, Luis Garcia taking it upon himself to slot in the third. After a solid start to the season, Hercules suddenly find themselves being dragged towards to bottom four. Espanyol on the other hand, consolidate their lofty position in the top four. Hats off to Mauricio Pochettino and his unfancied side.


Deportivo La Coruña 3 - 0 Malaga

Depor continued their recent revival with a precious win over a direct rival in the bottom half of La Liga, Manuel Pellegrinis Malaga. The win eased the pressure yet further off manager Miguel Angel Lotina and sees the Galician club rise to mid-table safety, suddenly only 6 points off the UEFA spots. Since the match against Espanyol, four matchdays ago, Depor have looked a different team, built off the security of a back five lead by Colotto, Aythami and Lopo and the finishing instincts of Riki and Adrian.

The truth is a 3-0 defeat was harsh on Malaga, who at times controlled the match. But with Duda and Baha misfiring and second half substitutes Quincy and Edinho failing to change Malagas fortunes up top, it was Depor's sharp finishing and Malagas lack of concentration in defence that proved decisive. Adrian slammed in the first from the spot after Colotto had been fouled and it was the big centre-back that made it two after half-time, heading in from a corner after losing marker Kris far too easily. Malaga continued to threaten, yet it was Depor who finished the match off as a contest on 83 minutes, substitute Pablo Alvarez making space for himself on the edge of the box before sending a delightful shot past Arnau. With their newfound solidity at the back, this Depor team will be hard to beat.


Osasuna 1 - 0 Sporting Gijon

Osasuna continue their fine run in the Reyno Navarro, they remain unbeaten their since March, as they overcame a Sporting Gijon side desperately lacking in the intensity that saw them run Real Madrid so close last weekend. There were never likely to be many goals in this encounter, as while much of the first half had 0-0 written all over it, up popped Osasuna's Iranian star Masoud just after half time to score the games only goal, completing a text book counter to calmly finish past Juan Pablo. The only downer on Osasuna's win was the injury to striker Carlos Aranda. Without Pandiani and Aranda, goals will continue to be a struggle for Camacho's men.

Levante 3 - 1 Racing Santander

If Levante manage to saves themselves from what many regard as certain relegation, it will be down to the performances of Christian Stuani and Felipe Caicedo. The two men scored all three of Levante's goals against a dismal Racing Santander that never looked like getting anything from the match once striker Markus Rosenburg missed a glit-edged chance early on. All three goals came before half-time as Ecuadorian Felipe Caicedo showed how important he will be to the Levante cause with two well-taken goals and a performance that dragged that Racing back four all over the place. Racing managed a late consolation through sub Mehdi Lacen but it did little to disguise a shoddy performance that will heap yet more pressure on manager Miguel Angel Portugal.

Barcelona 1 - 1 Mallorca (Highlights)

Barcelona 1 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 20' Messi, (1-1) 42' N'Sue

The Camp Nou is no longer the fortress of recent times. Barcelona, minus Xavi Hernandez and David Villa, wasted several first half opportunities to kill off Mallorca, but they only had Lionel Messis beautiful effort to show for the efforts, when Emilio N'Sue powered in a header from a corner to set the alarm bells ringing. And despite plenty of endeavour the winner never came despite Bojan striking the post and young Nolito coming close after entering late on as a sub. Mallorca, lead by ex-Barca legend Michael Laudrup, even came close to wrapping up an unlikely win themselves, although they were unable to take advantage of Barcas high defensive line as they pushed desparately forward. And you can't say that this was simply a case of Barca missing Xavi and Villa. For the third consecutive home match (Loss v Hercules, tight win v Sporting) they've looked lethargic and lacking in ideas in the final third. Are two trophy-filled seasons of hard graft beginning to take their toll?

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

Last gasp Rodri sends Sevilla into Champions League (Highlights)

Almeria 2 - 3 Sevilla
(0-1) 16' Kanoute, (1-1) 44' Soriano, (1-2) 52' Chico (o.g), (2-2) 78' Juanma Ortiz, (2-3) 93' Rodri

Mallorca 2 - 0 Espanyol
(1-0) 23' Victor, (2-0) 77' Mario Suarez

Atletico Madrid 0 - 3 Getafe
(0-1) 13' Soldado, (0-2) 53' Soldado, (0-3) 86' Parejo

Real Zaragoza 3 - 3 Villarreal
(1-0) 3' Eliseu, (2-0) 29' Colunga, (3-0) 35' Pulido, (3-1) 40' Cazorla, (3-2) 56' Cazorla, (3-3) 82' Rossi

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 19' Muniain, (2-0) 77' Javi Martinez

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

Agüero and Salvio join forces as Atletico defeat stubborn Tenerife (Highlights)

Atletico Madrid 3 - 1 Tenerife
(1-0) 11' Salvio, (2-0) 30' Salvio, (2-1) 61' Román, (3-1) 77' Agüero

Sergio Agüero has found himself a new friend. The two Argentinians Agüero and Salvio ripped Tenerife apart in a sazzling first half display that boded well for their midweek trip to Liverpool. Within half an hour Salvio had already chalked up two goals as Tenerife were torn apart by a rampant Atletico Madrid. With Forlán, Reyes and Simao also finding their form just at the right time, Quique has an embarrassment of riches at the top end of the field. Credit to Tenerife they stuck at it, and having pulled back a goal through Roman Martinez, they even had chances to level the match as Nino threatened briefly. Atletico weathered the storm with Sergio Agüero making sure of the win with little over ten minutes remaining. Forlan provided the pass and Agüero showed strength and composure to hold off the defender and sidefoot past Aragoneses. Not a bad way to prepare for Anfield. For Tenerife, another week stuck in the bottom three, as chances to pull themselves out of the abyss become fewer by the week.

Getafe 4 - 3 Sevilla
(1-0) 16' Adrian, (1-1) 33' Luis Fabiano, (1-2) 38' Kanoute, (2-2) 58' Pedro Leon, (2-3) 61' Luis Fabiano, (3-3) 75' Manu, (4-3) 93' Parejo

One of those matches that had absolutely everything, helped by some electric attacking football, clinical finishing and shocking defending. 31 shots on goal, 4 struck the woodwork, 7 flew in and one was an absolutely world class effort from Luis Fabiano. In short: Getafe take early lead, Sevilla fight back to take the lead having been severely under the cosh. Getafe equalise only for Luis Fabiano to score his second and put Sevilla infront once more. Getafe fight back a second time and after Frederic Kanoute was sent off went on to win thanks to a last gasp, re-taken penalty from Dani Parejo after Negredo had given the ball away in a truely unforgiveable manner. Thriller. The match also had implications for both races for Europe as Mallorca now hold the advantage for the race for fourth whilst Getafe are hot on the heels of Villarreal for the last Europa League position. And check out that dudes cigar and sombrero combo in the video. Classic. Who said Spanish Football was boring?

Sporting Gijon 0 - 2 Real Valladolid
(0-1) 80' Manucho, (0-2) 93' Baraja

Can Real Valladolid pull off yet another miraculous escape? Since Javier Clemente took over they've drawn two and won two, but more importantly havn't conceded a goal. A remarkable turnaround, especially when you take into account the farcical situation Clemente found the club in when he took over. With the former Spain coach employing five at the back, it was a solid defensive performance that provided the platform for Manucho and Baraja to score late goals and bag the all-important three points. Valladolid are not going down without a fight.

Racing Santander 1 - 2 Villarreal
(1-0) 38' Canales, (1-1) 70' Godin, (1-2) 82' Nilmar

Almeria 0 - 1 Espanyol
(0-1) 54' Luis Garcia

Mallorca 1 - 1 Malaga
(0-1) 86' Obinna, (1-1) 91' Aduriz

Athletic Bilbao 0 - 0 Osasuna

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

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 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.

Tenerife victory in first La Liga Monday match

Tenerife 1 - 0 Mallorca

(1-0) 13' Nino

Tenerife secured three points at home against Mallorca, in La Ligas first ever monday match. The move to arrange monday night fixtures has been met with a little bemusement among fans in Spain, with saturday and sunday league football so ingrained within spanish society, but 18,000 Tenerife fans responded by almost filling the Heliodoro, and there was extra colour and vibrancy within the stands with the island celebrating the Carnival this week. They had even more to celebrate when Nino put them ahead after 13 minutes, although his positioning for the goal had more than a whiff of offside about it. Apart from another solid performance from Borja Valero, Mallorca were never at the races, and they missed out on a glorious opportunity to stick themselves in the top four. Tenerife, meanwhile, edge closer to the pack in their fights against relegation.

La Liga Sunday Highlights: Atletico Madrid downed by lowly Malaga

Atletico Madrid 0 - 2 Malaga

(0-1) 3' Duda, (0-2) 70' Javi Lopez

Perhaps they had one eye on their Copa del Rey Semi-final this week, or maybe they took a visit from lowly Malaga too lightly. Either way Atlético Madrid fell to a morale-sapping defeat at the hands of a team that started the day in the relegation zone. Duda hit the first early doors after a teasing cross from the right by Gamez, slipping the ball past De Gea from a tight angle. Atlético had plenty of possession but failed to create any sort of sustained danger and they were punished on 70 minutes when Javi Lopez struck the fatal second. The Copa del Rey and a late push for Europe represents all thats left for Atléticos season.

Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals: Sevilla thrash Depor in Riazor (Highlights)

Sevilla put their dismal league form behind them to take a giant leap towards the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a barnstorming 0-3 defeat of Deportivo La Coruña in the Riazor. Alvaro Negredo, who had a fantastic match, opened the scoring on 29', whilst a two minute onslaught just after the hour, which harvested goals from Renato and Navas, virtually sealed the tie for the Andalucians. Things got even better for Sevilla as Luis Fabiano made his long-awaited return from injury. Depor had no answer to Sevillas pace to burn out wide, but they certainly weren't helped by Lotinas ultra-defensive set-up which actively frowned upon any attempt to attack.

In the ONO Estadi, Mallorca fell to their first home defeat of the season in all competitions, as Getafe left the island with a slender lead to take into the second leg next week. Manu and debutant Miku put Michels team 0-2 up, before dangerman 'Chori' Castro pulled one back for the Mallorquins with virtually the last kick of the game, a goal which keeps them in the tie. Two teams that will see the Spanish Cup as their chance for glory in 2010, so next weeks second-leg should be a cracker.

Copa del Rey Quarter Finals: First Leg

Deportivo 0 - 3 Sevilla
Mallorac 1 - 2 Getafe
Atlético Madrid 1 - 1 Celta Vigo
Racing 2 - 1 Osasuna

Sunday Liga Results: Messi hattrick downs Tenerife

Tenerife 0 - 5 Barcelona

(0-1) 36' Messi, (0-2) 44' Puyol, (0-3) 45' Messi, (0-4) 75' Messi, (0-5) 85' Luna (o.g)

When you are as good as Barcelona are, and when you've won everything on offer in the last 12 months, it's inevitable that after a couple of games that failed to yield a win, people start announcing the end of the Barca dynasty. Absolute rubbish. The phrase 'form is temporary, class is permanent' has never rung truer, as Leo Messi weaved his magic to score two goals before half time, after Barca had been under the cosh for the opening 35 mins. The finest footballer on the planet then completed his hattrick in the 75th minute, and Tenerife were left to rue not turning their opening dominance into goals. Guardiola also had Victor Valdes to thank for some timely interventions whilst Barcas backline endured a shaky start. Real Madrid had laid down the gauntlet earlier on in the afternoon; Barcelona answered in style.

READ ON FOR REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL TODAYS MATCHES

La Liga Results/Highlights: Atlético Madrid hobble into Christmas

Tenerife 1 - 1 Atlético Madrid

(1-0) 3' Nino, (1-1) 21' Jurado

• A poor match between two teams that are really struggling to escape the attentions of the relegation zone. Atlético Madrid would have wanted to sign off before Christmas with a much needed three points, but fell behind to an early Nino strike and only managed to salvage a draw. They pushed for a winner in the last ten minutes after Asenjo had saved a Nino penalty but it wasn't to be.
  
• Tenerife can be glad with their position up to now, especially when you take into account the performances of Real Zaragoza who got promoted alongside the islanders, but have a far greater budget. Retaining winger Omar and Ninos goalscoring form will be important to their push for survival.
  

Real Valladolid 2 - 1 Sporting Gijón

(0-1) 13' Luis Moran, (1-1) 29' Nivaldo, (2-1) 90' Medunjanin

• Quality match that flowed from end to end and provided a grandstand finish with Medunjanins brilliant late winner. The Bosnian along with Diego Costa and Cannobio are vital to Real Valladolids hopes in the new year after helping to push their team to relative mid-table safety before the xmas break. A real hit or miss side that will want to find some consistency in 2010.
  
• Sporting took an early lead and contributed to an entertaining match played in freezing conditions. They´ve seen their storming start to the season fade away in recent weeks but they can be happy with the fact that they're closer to the UEFA spots than the relegation zone. They'll be hoping Bilic is back and raring to go in the new year.
  

Villarreal 2 - 0 Racing Santander

(1-0) 49' Llorente, (2-0) 72' Rossi

• The scale of Villarreals revival since hitting rock bottom after 6 matches has meant everyone has forgotten that Ernesto Valverde was one game away from losing his job. The truth is there was always far too much quality in their side to be in that end of the table.
  
• Santi Cazorla came off the bench at half-time to give the home side some added impetus, and together with Cani helped the yellow submarine to the three points through strikes from Joseba Llorente and Rossi. Racing managed to withstand the pressure during the first 45 mins, but with little being offered by Tchite and Xisco upfront the defence folded under the pressure in the second half.
  

Espanyol 2 - 0 Almería

(1-0) 45' Marquez, (2-0) 81' Coro

• Almería fell to yet another defeat which proved to be the straw that broke the boards back and saw Hugo Sanchez sacked as manager. His team lacked fight from the start and Sanchez did little to improve the situation with substitutions that arrived far too late to change the situation.
  
• The three points were vital for Espanyol as they enter the xmas break on a high and four points off the drop zone. Joan Verdú was inspirational in the middle of the park, assisted admirably by Javi Marquez who set his side on the road to victory with a sublime finish on the stroke of half-time.
  

Málaga 2 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 23' Fernando, (1-1) 56' Julio Alvarez, (2-1) 76' Forestieri

• If anyone needed three points today it was Málaga. Leaving Xerez firmly rooted to the bottom, the team from La Rosaleda. Young striker Fernando Forestieri came on after 65 mins and ten minutes later scored the goal that keeps his side in touch with the group of teams above.
  
• Mallorca have been the surprise package of the season so far, but suffered from the loss of Borja Valero through injury and two shocking errors from Israeli keeper Arouate which led to both Málaga goals. It will interesting to see if they can continue to challenge for the UEFA spots in 2010.
  

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 0 Valencia

• The battle for the Champions League spots promised much beforehand but delivered little on the night. Valencia will be the happier of the two as they go into the break occupying that lucrative fourth place while Depor lie below Mallorca in sixth.
  
• Both teams signed off what has been a fantastic start to the 2009/2010 season with a drab encounter. Juan Carlos Valeron was the games best player and he nearly got Depor the goal which would probably have been enough for the points with a header which smacked against Cesars crossbar.
  

Saturday Preview: 07.11.09

Although you wouldnt believe it watching Spanish TV right now, there are three other matches taking place today in La Liga. Barcelona will be looking to heap pressure on Real Madrid before they step out in the Vicente Calderon, by opening up a four point gap at the top. Mallorca are the team in town, and we all await to see which version of Barca turns up. The Barca that sweeps all before them in six goal routs, or the Barca which struggles to turn domination into goals.

All eyes are also on Lionel Messi, who is apparently in the midst of a crisis. A crisis i´m sure many players wouldnt mind suffering; second top scorer with 6 goals. His team are also said to be in a crisis (the word is in vogue), but its probably more a crisis of results more than any problem in form or tactics. Do they miss Eto'o in games like Osasuna and Rubin Kazan? Hard to say, but Ibrahimovic is a more than capable replacement.

Mallorca have won three times in the Camp Nou since the season 99/00, and will be looking to hitman Webo and midfielder battler Borja to make it a fourth this time around. The team from the Baleares have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, sitting pretty in fifth place. Mallorca have also comitted the most fouls so far in La Liga, and one would suspect they will turn to this tactic in an attempt to break up Barca's fluid circulation of the ball.

The first two fixtures today will see the battle for points between Tenerife and Málaga and the battle for Europe between Getafe and Deportivo. In Tenerife, both managers are in danger of becoming the second managerial casualty of the season, with Muñiz for Málaga and Oltra for Tenerife not having enjoyed the best of starts. A win is a must for Málaga, who will be looking to lift themselves off the foot of the table; it's been a month since they last bagged a single point. Emotion guaranteed in a fight for survival between two direct rivals.

Deportivo La Coruña will want to maintain their European aspirations with an away win against a Getafe side looking to enter the European dogfight themselves. Getafe have won their last three home ties, and will be looking to equal their club record of four. All eyes will be on Soldado for Getafe and Riki of Deportivo, as the goals are more than likely to come from these two in-form strikers.

Saturday Fixtures:

Getafe - Deportivo La Coruña
Tenerife - Málaga
Barcelona - Mallorca
Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid