Sporting Gijon 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Highlights): La Liga Sunday

Sporting Gijon 0 - 1 Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho may well have been hidden from view in the darkness of Sportings VIP box, but his team were thrust into the limelight, riding out a barrage of abuse from the stands and a stream of fouls from Sportings players to hold out for an invaluable win. They were promised a 'burning oven' of an atmosphere from Sporting coach Manolo Preciado, and they got it. El Molinón was in vociferous mood, letting Mourinho know in no small way, that his derogatory comments didn't get down too well in Asturias.

On the field it was a true battle of attrition. Sporting knew they couldn't match Real Madrid for skill. So the men in red and white, roared on by a partisan home crowd, got thoroughly stuck in Madrids stars. It was brutal at times, with Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo the recipients of some overzealous challenges. Credit to Real Madrid though, they never lost their heads. Patience was the key, especially in a first half were chances were at a premium and defences were on top. Alberto Botia and Gregory were impeccable at the back, restricting Madrid to a Higuiain shot that struck the base of the post and fell into the grateful arms of Juan Pablo.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Gijon running and puffing. Real Madrid assured, confident, sure that their chance will come. Karim Benzema came on and looked dangerous probing in and around the box. The Frenchman looks a different player since Mourinho has started to nuture him. And he played a large role in Madrids winner, as their patience was rewarded with Higuains winner eight minutes from time. Sergio Ramos swung in a cross from the right, Benzema peeling away at the back post to plant a header on goal. Juan Pablo got two hands to it, but the ball squirmed out of his reach and there was Gonzalo Higuain to tap into an empty net.

Seconds later Iker Casillas came to his sides rescue with a stunning one-handed stop from David Barrals header. Saint Iker is back in business. And so it was that Real Madrid held out for a win that maintains their one point lead over Barcelona. You can't help but think this is the sort of fixture Real Madrid would have drawn or lost in recent years. Mourinho has instilled a discipline in his defence and midfield, helped tremendously by the performances of Ricardo Carvalho and Sami Khedira, that allows their potent attack to do the rest. In this Real Madrid you can trust.

Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Sevilla

Real Zaragoza went from injury time joy to injury time agony in a week. If last weeks tie against Mallorca sent the Zaragoza faithful home with a spring in their step, this weeks action will have sent them home wondering why on earth their team insist on giving cheap goals away. Todays defeat against the ten men of Sevilla sees Real Zaragoza hit rock bottom of La Liga. Jose Aurelio Gays men surely have far too much quality to go down. They said the same three years ago when Diego Milito, Ricardo Oliveira and Sergio Garcia graced La Romareda. No prizes for gueesing what happened that season.

Luis Fabiano struck the games opening goal, latching onto a superb through ball from Frederic Kanoute to fire past Toni Doblas on the half hour mark. It was a rare moment of quality in a match in which neither side managed to wrest control of the midfield, leaving the strikers starved of ammunition. Gay sent his side out with five at the back, a tactic that he will surely have to discard at home where they simply cannot afford not to win. You can undertand his concern with Zaragoza leaking goals for fun early in the season, but their away form is hopeless at best. They desparately need to convert La Romareda into a fortress.

The match sprung into life after half-time. Zaragoza were visibly lifted by the presence of talented substitute Nicolas Bertolo and it was the Argentinian who dragged his team level with a thumping header from a Gabi corner. From then on both teams set about grabbing a winner, a point seemingly not good enough for either. Sevillas task was made that little bit harder with the dismissal of Fernando Navarro, still it didn't stop them from piling forward. In the dying seconds of the match their bravery was rewarded, courtesy of the habitual moment of madness that Zaragoza treat us to on a weekly basis. Sevilla must have felt their christmas had come a month early.

This time it was Jiri Jarosik who was to blame for an inexplicable backheel in his own half that set Alvaro Negredo through on goal. Like Fabiano he made no mistake when one-on-one with Doblas, sliding the ball past the keeper to strike the injury time winner. Jose Aurelio Gay held his head in his hands. He cannot be held to account for these isolated actions from his lacklustre players, but with his team alone at the foot of La Liga on seven points he'll be lucky to survive the week.

Valencia 2 - 0 Getafe

How Valencia needed this win having been in freefall for the last month. Goals from Tino Costa and David Navarro were enough to earn all three points in the Mestalla against a Getafe team that are in all kinds of trouble, having failed to win in their last six matches. Joaquin and Juan Mata were impressive for the home side, creating plenty of danger down the wings, while the defence reverted back to early season form with a comfortable shut-out, helped by the dip in form suffered by the Getafe attack. So Valencia jump back into the top four, with Getafe sitting in mid-table but only four points away from the relegation zone.

Malaga 1 - 0 Levante

Manuel Pellegrini made it a happy debut at Malaga, as his new team put their dreadful home run of five defeats from five behind them to earn a first win of the season at La Rosaleda. It wasn't pretty and Levante had their chances, but with the two goalkeepers the stand-out performers, Eliseus thumping 35 yard drive was enough to steal all three points. Pellegrini has stated he expects more from his team, but right now they need results.

Hercules 2 - 1 Real Sociedad

The formbook was turned on it's head in the Rico Perez as Hercules came from behind to snatch a win against Real Sociedad. The first half was dominated by Real, with young Frenchman Antoine Greizmann turning in an electric performance, topped off with the games opening goal. But Hercules hit back after half-time, David Trezeguet continuing his fine form with the leveller before cult hero Royston Drenthe sent the home crowd ballistic with a rocket of a free-kick that ended up settling the match.

Racing Santander 0 - 0 Espanyol

A scoreline that reflected what was mindnumbing game of football, with only the odd flash of ambition. And when they came it was more often than not from Racing. Unfortunately for Miguel Angel Portugal and his team, they found Cameroon keeper Carlos Kameni in inspired form, repelling all that flew towards him, including an Ariel Nahuelpan penalty after half an hour. Racing also felt they had a case for a last minute penalty, but to the fury of the Sardinero crowd the ref waved away their appeals and the match ended all square.

Mallorca 0 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña

A match completely lacking in ambition, characterised by Depors ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation designed to hold out for away points. Depor coach Lotina may well have bemoaned his teams lack of creativity in the final third but this team is designed not to lose rather than search for the win. Mallorca also seemed content to hold back, and with the matches two strikers, Riki and Webo both demonstrating they have a long way to go to establish themselves as consistent goalscorers, a 0-0 draw was always on the cards.

La Liga Showdown: A weekend to stand up and be counted

Now the Atletico Madrid fans have left Neptune in peace, at least for a few days, it's time for the Liga showdown. Nothing has been decided at either end of the table with the Liga trophy, qualification for Europe and survival all up for grabs. It promises to be a frenetic finale to a memorable season. Whatever Zinedine Zidane and Manuel Pellegrini spout in the press, there will only be one league winner this season and you will be hard pushed to find a betting man laying any serious cash on Real Madrid. Frankly I'm surprised there have been no gushing declarations from CR9 predicting a glorious end to his first year in Spain. Even Sergio 'We'll win 3-0' Ramos seems resigned to finishing second. Barcelona have the simple task of needing a win against relegation-threatened Real Valladolid at home. I'll give that one an odds on. On saturday Sevilla and Mallorca will be hoping to claim the final Champions League position while Getafe and Villarreal will fight it out for 6th place and qualification for next years Europa League.

The fun and games at either end of the table then fire up on Sunday evening. Five teams no less will be scrapping for their lives as the relegation trapdoor prepares to lock shut. I can't remember a relegation D-day quite like it, since 1983 by all accounts. Safe to say some have got it easier than others. Real Madrid and Barcelona aren't quite the teams you would choose to face in these circumstances, so you have to feel a little sorry for poor old Malaga and Valladolid, who let's face it look doomed. Tenerife face a tough trip to the Mestalla, Racing host Sporting Gijon, while everyones second favourite team, Xerez, travel up to Pamplona to lock horns with Osasuna. Whatever happens there'll be some tears, some celebrations and we'll move on to the cup final before everyone settles down for the World Cup. I bloody love World Cup summers. Enjoy the weekend. 

La Liga relegation battle reaches dramatic climax: Three of five to go down

The battle for the title might be a two-way affair, but the all-out scrap for survival has gifted us a no holds barred fist-fight between five clubs who will be holding no punches come 7pm on Sunday evening. Racing Santander, Real Valladolid, Tenerife, Malaga and even Xerez enter the final matchday with  a real chance of starting next year in La Liga, but an equally real possibility of falling out the top flight. Three clubs will descend into 'hell', whilst two will celebrate a last-gasp escape from the jaws of La Segunda. What complicates matters a little more is than in Spain, a tie on points isn't decided by goal difference, but by the points earned in the games played against each other.

Currently Real Valladolid and Racing Santander are out of the relegation zone because in all the league games played between them, Tenerife and Malaga (imagine it as a mini-league), Valladolid and Racing have earned 8 points, with the rest all on 7. (Ignore my league table on the right, it's conveniently wrong). Then goal difference within that mini-league is taken into account and if the teams are still tied, on goal difference in the league overall. The final tiebreaker is the Fair Play League. Here is a slightly complicated look at what each team needs to do to stay up:

Real Valladolid (v Barcelona AWAY): If they win they are practically saved. In the case of a draw, they are down if two out of Malaga, Tenerife and Racing win. Lose and they need Xerez not to win and Racing, Tenerife and/or Malaga to lose.

Verdict: You're going down!

Malaga (v Real Madrid HOME): If they win they need one of Racing o Valladolid not to. In the event of a draw they need two out of Racing, Valladolid and Tenerife to lose OR for Valladolid to lose and Racing and Tenerife to draw. If they lose they will fall into La Segunda.

Verdict: You're going down!

Racing Santander (v Sporting Gijon HOME): If Racing win, they need two out of Valladolid, Malaga and Tenerife to not win. A draw and they need two out of Valladolid, Tenerife and Malaga to draw/lose. If Racing fall to defeat they need two of the rest to lose with even a Xerez victory not enough to relegate them.

Verdict: Lucky escape! (Rumour has it a dirty boardroom deal has already been struck with Sporting)

Tenerife (v Valencia AWAY): If they Tenerife win, they need both Malaga and Valladolid not to do so. To survive in the event of a draw they need two out of Malaga, Valladolid or Racing to lose. Lose and they drop down, regardless of what Xerez do.

Verdict: You're going down!

Xerez (v Osasuna AWAY): A modern day footballing miracle if they manage it. If Xerez beat Osasuna they need Malaga, Valladolid and one from Tenerife and Racing all to lose. If they don't win, they're down. Simple as.

Verdict: Miracle escape!

Real Madrid blow the title race wide open with win over Valencia (Highlights)

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Valencia
(1-0) 25' Higuain, (2-0) 78' Cristiano Ronaldo

On a weekend in which races for the title were blown wide open across Europe, La Liga followed suit as Real Madrid dispatched a disappointing Valencia with ease at the Santiago Bernabeu. Were it not for yet another spectacular performance from Cesar Sanchez in the Valencia goal it could well have been a rout, as Madrid dominated. Guti and Xabi Alonso were sensational throughout, with Guti setting up the first and providing plenty more incisive passes that could have lead to several more were it not for some wasteful finishing and acrobatic goalkeeping. The veteran midfielder turned back the years in the 25th minute; winning the ball off Bruno out wide and threading an inch-perfect pass through to Higuain who spun beautifully from his marker and finished clinically past Cesar. Apart from when Juan Mata struck the post, Valencia hardly created a chance of note, with Villa, Silva, Mata and Pablo Hernandez all enduring a frustrating evening. How a team with such an array of attacking talent can fail to trouble Casillas will surely be playing on Unai Emerys mind as he begins to plot his teams assault on next seasons Champions League.

If the first goal was all about Guti, the second had Marcelo written all over it. He may be derided in some quarters for his defensive failings, but as an attacking force the Brazilian is lethal. He skipped past Bruno as if the defender didnt exist and squared for Cristiano Ronaldo to complete the formalities from close to the penalty spot. Those who thought La Liga was done and dusted as the Barca players rejoiced in the Bernabeu centre circle 7 days ago, can think again. One point in it.

 

Xerez 2 - 2 Racing Santander

(1-0) 6' Orellana, (1-1) 43' Tchite, (1-2) 57' Tchite (p), (2-2) 72' Victor Sanchez

If Xerez do finally get relegated to La Segunda, they can look back to the second half of this season with pride. They way they have performed since Nestor Gorosito took over has been nothing short of inspirational, with Momo, Victor Sanchez, Fabian Orellana and Sidi Ketia the stars of the show. But for the second week running, they failed to get the three points their flowing football and improved concentration at the back deserved. The Xerez goals were a joy to behold, but both Racing Santander goals were avoidable. Two slips opening the path for Tchites first, whilst the second was a horrendous error from the ref as he penalised Victor Sanchez for a non-existant trip. When you are a club the size of Xerez, favours from the refs are few and far between. Even so, the striker from Burundi must be commended for his haul of four goals in two matches after a barren spell that had lasted just under a year. So the trapdoor creeps ever closer for La Ligas bottom side, but as long as it is still mathematically possible for them to stay up, you can be sure Gorosito and his men won't throw in the towel. Next week Barca at the Camp Nou.

Tenerife 3 - 2 Getafe

(0-1) 10' Pedro Leon, (1-1) 30' Nino, (2-1) 69' Nino, (2-2) 75' Casquero, (3-2) 76' Nino

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 0 Almeria

Athletic Bilbao 0 - 0 Real Zaragoza

Malaga 0 - 0 Real Valladolid

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

Valencia and Racing Santander play out bore draw

Valencia 0 - 0 Racing Santander

Valencia and Racing Santander played out the third goalless draw of Matchday 25, with the two stars of each team, Sergio Canales and David Villa, both guilty of some poor finishing. Racings young star had two gilt-edged chances, one at either end of the match. Canales' chance in the 89th minute was on a plate, only a metre from the line, but he contrived to send the ball over the bar. David Villa had two chances of his own, with one striking the post (how many is he on now?), but apart from that Valencia were toothless. In fairness, that was a credit to Racings incessant pressure when not in possession, as they sought to nullify the everpresent threat posed by Valencias famous four. But unfortunately the highlight of the second half was David Navarro sending off late on for a second yellow which rules him out of next weeks clash against Barcelona. Those who turned up to the Mestalla will wish they'd have stayed at home. I dont particularly like La Liga mondays either. Never shown on TV and hasn't produced an entertaining match yet. And that Racing away shirt is horrible. Rant over. 

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.

Copa del Rey Final: Sevilla v Atlético Madrid - 19th May 2010

Just like Sevilla before them, Atlético Madrid booked their ticket to the final of the Copa del Rey with a defeat. In truth the tie was over as a contest after 9 minutes, but Racing Santander had threatened to start a comeback to match all comebacks when they opened the scoring after 3 minutes, as Juan Valera turned the ball into his own net. Yet as soon as Jose Moratón returned the compliment six minutes later, Racing needed five goals to send themselves through. So inevitably heads dropped and the crowd lost all will to urge their team on.

As soon as Jurado knocked in a delightful second following a neat one-two with Sergio Agüero, it really was all over, although Atlético decided to treat us all to some more appauling defending as David De Gea and Tomas Ujfalusi both commited criminal errors during the last two minutes that allowed Xisco and Mohamed Tchite to give ten-man Racing (Christian received a straight red for a forearm in Ibrahims face) the consolation of at least winning the second leg. The long-suffering Atlético fans and players finally have their shot at a piece of silverware ten years after last appearing in a cup final, and after months of nothing but misery in La Liga. The fans will rightly lap up the occasion, but a final against Sevilla will be a tough ask unless they sort out these defensive lapses that seem to be occuring with alarming frequency. The final is scheduled to be held on 19th May in Barcelonas Camp Nou Stadium, for the first time in 40 years.

Copa del Rey Semi-Final: Atlético smash four past Racing

Anything can happen in football, but whilst they may still be a glimmer of hope for Getafe in their second leg against Sevilla, Atletico Madrids emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Racing Santander pretty much has their name printed on that ticket to the final. The scoreline is harsh on Racing, but Atletico deserved the win, lead by a spectacular showing from Argentine forward Sergio Agüero. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he played a huge role in Simaos cracking opener and ran the Racing defence ragged from then on, earning the second penalty of the night which Diego Forlán duely converted. The Uruguayans first penalty was an absolutely shocking decision from the ref, with the foul committed a clear metre outside the box (see below). Jose Antonio Reyes got the other goal, but his night ended prematurely when he was stretchered off with what appears to be knee ligament damage, although initial reports suggest he'll only be out for two weeks. Keeper De Gea and much maligned defender Perea also performed admirably, as the Vicente Calderon finally got something to cheer about.

Copa del Rey Quarter-final Results: Atletico scrape through

They didnt do it the easy way, but then they never do. Atletico Madrid travelled to Vigo needing to score to go through, and once Diego Forlan had put them infront after a disastrous error from centre-back Noguerol, they had the even tougher task of shutting up shop. Aided by another monumental display from Dominguez and a controversial disallowed goal from Trashorras, they held on and Racing Santander await in what promises to be an electric semi-final, with the first installment next week in the Vicente Calderon.


In the tie that would decide who would face Sevilla in the other semi-final, Mallorca saw their cup run ended by Getafe, even though they managed a 1-0 win on the night. Artiz Aduriz got the goal and it could all have been so different had the striker converted a 30th minute penalty that was repelled by Ustari. The Madrileños suffered during a hard-fought second half but they held on to reach their second semi-final in two years.

Yesterday saw Deportivo La Coruña crash out despite pulling one goal back on aggregate in the Sanchez Pizjuan on the stroke of half-time through Bodipo. Sevilla waltzed through a match that will be mostly remembered for being one of the most boring ever. Pity the fans that paid good money to watch this. Both sides never looked interested, with Lotina using the match as a training session for his youth team. In the nights other tie, that man Sergio Canales inspired his team to another victory with an exquisite free-kick that wrapped up a 0-3 win which sends the Cantabrians into the semis. Everyone expected Osasuna to come racing out of the blocks to try and drag themselves back in the tie after losing in Santander 2-1. Yet it was Racing that took the initiative and within 25 minutes they were already two goals to the good. Miguel Portugal has really turned things around at the Sardinero and a place in the last four of the cup is his reward.

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final Results:

Sevilla 0 - 1 Deportivo La Coruña (Sevilla through 3-1 on aggregate)

Osasuna 0 - 3 Racing Santander (Racing through 5-1 on aggregate)
Celta Vigo 0 - 1 Atlético Madrid (Atlético through 2-1 on aggregate)
Getafe 0 - 1 Mallorca (Getafe through 2-2 on away goals rule)

Copa del Rey Semi-Finals:

Sevilla v Getafe
Atlético Madrid v Racing Santander

Sergio Canales: Real Madrid or Manchester City?

The meetings held between Racing Santander and Real Madrid last week, regarding the future of La Ligas newest star, Sergio Canales, seemed to have destined the player for the Bernabeu, but their chances of landing the player now hang in the balance. The players father, and agent, Ángel Canales had spent most of last week in England talking to various clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City among them, with representatives of the Manchester club even seen arriving today at Santander Airport, in an attempt to strike a deal.

The richest club in the world have slapped a huge offer on the table which has more than tempted Santander president Francisco Pernía, with a large contract on offer  for the youngster. Real Madrid, perhaps wary of how much they sprayed around last summer, have now stated that they will not enter into a costly price-war, and that the player has one week to accept or decline their offer. It's unfortunate that the player is already the subject of a tug-of-war between some of the biggest clubs in Europe so soon after taking La Liga by storm with some classy goalscoring displays in his role just behind the front two, but what seems clear is that wherever he decides to go, he will be given at least one year more to develop at Racing. He also has the benefit of having his father as his agent and not some money-grabbing mercenary who would simply sell him to the highest bidder with little regard for his personal development. The future of Sergio Canales appears in safe hands.

Sunday Liga Results: Atletico Madrid and Valencia on a roll

Atletico Madrid 3 - 2 Sporting Gijon

(1-0) 12' Forlán, (1-1) 32' Castro (p), (2-1) 54' Assuncao, (3-1) 66' Ibrahima, (3-2) 90' Luis Moran

Wherever they go, goals aren't far behind. After a six goal thriller in the cup, and four goals in their last league encounter, today saw five as Atlético Madrid completed a fruitful week with another league victory. Sporting had looked threatening up until Assuncao put Atletico 2-1, and from that point on it was a one-way traffic as Sergio Agüero ran the show; his run in injury time as good as anything you'll see this season. The only downer for Atletico was the injury to Diego Forlan who was forced off with a ankle problem.

READ ON FOR REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL TODAYS LIGA MATCHES

Copa del Rey: Barcelona KO'd in the Cup

They're human after all. Having swept everything placed infront of them last season, they have fallen at the first hurdle in 2010 after succumbing to an aggregate defeat by Sevilla in the Copa del Rey. The match was an absolute thriller and a firm response to those who proclaimed the cup a dead duck last week when only a total of 90,000 spectators turned up to all the cup ties combined (not enough to fill the Camp Nou). Barca pushed and pushed for the two goals they needed to go through, but a sweet Xavi effort was all they got as they found Spanish number three Andrés Palop in superb form. Ibrahimovic had a shocker, whilst 'Titi' Henry was lucky not to receive a straight red for a disgraceful challenge on Jesus Navas. In fairness, after last season, they was only one way they could go, but so soon?

Elsewhere, Real Madrids tormentors Alcorcón bravely bowed out at Racing Santander (who are struggling for dear life to hold onto their teenage star Sergio Canales); Valencia grabbed two early goals that would have seen them through, only to then concede two as Depor secured qualification; Getafe smashed five past a hopeless Málaga side who seemed content to get tie out of the way to concentrate on league affairs; Celta Vigo, the only non top-flight side left in the cup, scored a 90th minute penalty to send Villarreal crashing out, whilst Osasuna got the goal they needed to qualify at Hercules' expense on away goals.

Saturday Liga Results: Sergio Canales sinks Sevilla; Atlético fight back

Sevilla 1 - 2 Racing Santander
(0-1) 25' Canales, (0-2) 37' Canales, (1-2) 61' Romaric

Sevilla sunk to another deflating home defeat as they were ripped apart by a first-half Sergio Canales masterclass. The teen sensation scored two stunning goals, leaving clear signs that he is destined for stardom, as Miguel Angel Portugals Racing team stung Sevilla with some scintillating counter-attacking football. The first goal was a delightful chip over Palop, with the second exquisitely executed as he rounded Palop and waited before slotting past a desparate lunge from Adriano on the line. True cold-blooded finishing from a Racing youth product half owned by Deportivo La Coruña. For Sevilla manager Manolo Jimenez he will be hoping his team can fight through January, dropping as few points as possible as Kanoute, Kone and Zokora compete in the African Cup of Nations and Luis Fabiano recovers from injury. They also need to rectify a home record of four wins in nine if they are to arrest a slide which has already put pay to their La Liga hopes and has seen them slide out of the Champions League positions.

READ ON FOR REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS OF ALL TODAYS LA LIGA MATCHES

Copa Del Rey Last 16: Sevilla surprise Cup Holders whilst Atléticos nightmare continues

Recreativo de Huelva and Sevilla provided the cupsets of the round so far as they both finished the first leg ahead of their supposed superior rivals. In yesterdays tie at the Camp Nou, Barcelona and Sevilla both had grounds for complaint regarding the performance of referee Alfonso Burrull as Bojan and Diego Capel had goals incorrectly chalked off, whereas the penalty awarded to Sevilla appeared to occur outside of the box. Burrul is indebted to both coaches as they made no mention of his performance is their post-match interviews, with Guardiola even happy to take the blame for Barcas defeat. The highlight of the match was Ibrahimovics delightfully-taken goal. The big Swede is unplayable at the moment.

Atletico Madrid seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back right now. The win over Sevilla at the weekend was supposed to be a case of corner turned after a disastrous last half of 2009, but they faltered badly in Huelva and left 3-0 down on aggregate and in serious danger of being knocked out of the only competition they could still realistically win this season. Recreativo were dominant from start to finish and were already 1-0 up when Ujfalusi committed a recklessly high tackle which earned him a deserved straight red and left his teammates in the lurch for the remainding 70 minutes. The usually calm Quique Sanchez Flores was livid with his players lack of professionalism and made it clear that he would not persist with players who 'continue to dissapoint'. Other news to come out of the club was that midfielder Maxi Rodriguez  is on the verge of a move to English club Liverpool for a fee of about €1.5m. The second move of a clearout that has already seen Sinama-Pongolle shipped off to Sporting Lisbon.

Copa Del Rey Last 16 First Leg Results

Barcelona 1 - 2 Sevilla

Recreativo Huelva 3 - 0 Atlético Madrid

Celta Vigo 1 - 1 Villarreal

Valencia 1 - 2 Deportivo La Coruña

Alcorcón 2 - 3 Racing Santander

Hercules 2 - 1 Osasuna

Rayo Vallecano 2 - 1 Mallorca

Málaga 2 - 1 Getafe

La Liga Results-Highlights: Matchday 14 - Atlético Madrid in freefall

Atlético Madrid 1 - 2 Villarreal

(1-0) 36' Simao, (1-1) 48' Fuster, (1-2) 90' Llorente

• For Atlético Madrid things go from bad to worse to catastrophic. If it's not Ujfalusi it will be Perea. If it's neither of them, Pablo will have a go. Today Juanito took centre stage with two errors that gifted Villarreal their two goals. This defence is guaranteed relegation material.
  
• The match could have been over after half an hour were it not for Sergio Asenjo and some poor finishing from Villarreal. Even after conceding, Villarreal set about the home side with a menace that has characterised their rapid ascent up La Liga in recent weeks, with a 90th minute winner their reward. Villarreals patience with manager Ernesto Valverde is beginning to bear fruit.
  
• There was further bad news for Quique after his most consistent performer in recent matches, Jose Antonio Reyes, was taken to hospital after a nasty fall following a collision with Diego Lopez. One point off the relegation zone and in one hell of a mess. Atlético chose the perfect time to release their own brand of bottled wine!
  

 

Sporting Gijón 0 - 1 Sevilla

(0-1) 8' Kanoute

• Sevilla leapfrog back above Valencia after they became the first team to walk out of El Molinon with three points in the bag this season. It was a virtuoso performance but they just about did enough for the win after resisting a late charge from Sporting.
  
• The goal came from a glorious move involving Kanoute and Jesus Navas. Manolo Jiminez will be happy that the man from Mali is finding the back of the net, especially with the injury to Luis Fabiano and Alvaro Negredos continuing goal drought. The Spain striker was guilty of a shocking miss today, but he'll come good.
  
• Sporting rallied late on but failed to turn their dominance into goals. They missed Bilic more than Sevilla missed Fabiano, and without their Croatian hitman they will struggle to convert their chances. But with 20 points on the board and a solid home record, I can't see them struggling too much this season.
  

Racing Santander 3 - 2 Xerez

(0-1) 3' Bermejo, (1-1) 25' Lacen, (2-1) 48' Arana, (2-2) 68' Antoñito, (3-2) 82' Xisco

• Same old story for Xerez as they become the first away team to lose at the Sardinero this season. I'll take some comfort in the fact that they scored two away from Chapín, and put up a mighty good fight. But the truth is they simply don't have the quality to compete in the Primera Divisíon.
  
• Mario 'The Gladiator' Bermejo put Xerez ahead just after kick-off, but the signalled the start of Santanders procession towards the three points. Antoñito gave Xerez hope as he struck the goal to make it 2-2, but their defence went missing yet again as Xisco headed in Santanders late winner.
  
• Miguel Angel Portugal is doing a sterling job at Racing and has managed to lift them out of the danger zone. Meanwhile, 'Cuco' Ziganda is under intense pressure. Plenty of Xerecistas are calling for his head, but I honestly don't believe anyone else could do much better in his position. Although why he persists with Abel and Bergantiños is beyond me. To survive in this division you need a half-decent defence and a goalscorer. Xerez have neither.
  

Getafe 2 - 1 Tenerife

(1-0) 38' Albín, (2-0) 68' Albín, (2-1) 81' Juanlu

• Two goals from young Uruguayan Juan Albín were enough to send Getafe into the top half of the table, only 5 points off the European spots. Him and Pedro Leon carried their team to victory, with Leon in particular sensational down the right side.
  
• Míchel can be happy with how the season is panning out for his Getafe side. Eighth in the league and still in the Copa del Rey. The club from Madrid has become the new breeding ground for young managers. Quique, Schuster and Michael Laudrup have all passed through the gates of the Coliseum. How long will Míchel last at Getafe? Not long if he keeps this up.
  
• Tenerife will be quietly content with their battling display but two lapses of concentration cost them dear. First was keeper Aragoneses misjudging a corner; the second was the fault of dallying defender Manolo Martínez. Criminal at this level and they find themselves 2 points from the relegation zone.
  

Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Malaga

(0-1) 34' Duda, (1-1) 68' Jesús Gámez (o.g)

• Both teams were desparate for the win, so it was only to be expected that the game would end in a stalemate. Málaga now havn't won since the first day if the season, and quite how Muñiz is still in a job is a mystery, especially with the fans having started to call for his head some time ago.
  
• Real Valladolid perhaps shaded it on the day, with Portuguese striker Diego Costa easily securing man-of-the-match. They now find themselves in the middle of a eight-team group from 11th down to 18th; all within four points from the last relegation spot. It sure is tight down there.
  
• Málaga came out all guns blazing in the first half, but only had Dudas 34th minute goal to show for it at the break. The second half belonged to Real Valladolid, but in the end it was an own goal that put them on level terms. Both teams are definite relegation candidates.
  

Almería 1 - 1 Deportivo la Coruña

(1-0) 58' Uche, (1-1) 74' Pablo Álvarez

• An entertaining match that saw plenty of opportunities but only two goals. Uche scored a cracking header and Pablo Álvarez finished off a scintillating move from Deportivo. Lotinas three substitutes all played a part in the goal. Hugo Sanchez is being lynched for a lack of substitutions.
  
• But to be fair to the Almería manager he got his tactics spot on, stiffling Deportivo with his players asserting pressure in all areas of the pitch. But a lack of fresh legs towards the end saw Almería tire horribly. Hugo could be given the boot soon if his presidents post-match interview is anything to go by. Christmas is fast approaching and La Ligas fat cats are getting nervous.
  
• Deportivo, on the other hand, are flying high and remain in the UEFA Europa League spots. Today they had one decent attack and they scored from it. Apart from that they profited from a profligate Almería attack. They did what all good teams do, punctuate even when playing poorly.
  

Osasuna 0 - 1 Mallorca

(0-1) 60' Castro

• Gregorio Manzano for president! Today he sat Martí and Suarez infront of his back four and it worked wonders as Osasuna weren't given a sniff. Mallorca win their first match away from the ONO Estadi and are only three points from third. An unbelievable achievement for the islanders.
  
• 'Chori' Castros goal was an absolute corker, easily goal of the week. After a tasty run he cut in from the right and sent an arrow of a shot into Ricardos top-left corner. Unstoppable, and well worthy of the three points. But even more impressive were the Mallorca defence, thet fough fire with fire and repelled everything Osasuna threw at them.
  
• It's not quite panic stations yet for Camachos team, as they head that eight-team group who lie within four points of each other. But a couple more setbacks like this could see them drawn into a mammoth relegation fight with pretty much the whole bottom half of the table.
  

'El Resumen' 16.11.09 Fabio gives Spain the Birdie

England Manager Fabio Capello believes that Brazil are in a better position to win the World Cup next summer than Spain. He states Brazil's greater physicality and defence as putting them a level above the Spanish.

Having beaten Argentina, Spain return to the top of the FIFA rankings, with Brazil dropping back down to second. Spain fell from first position last summer after being defeated by USA in the Confederations Cup, with Brazil going on to win the competition.

Johan Cruyff's first match in charge of the Catalunya national side will be against Diego Maradona's Argentina on December 22 in the Camp Nou, although the controversial coach will not be present as FIFA ban him from footballing activities for two months following his outburst at the Argentinian press last month.

Sergio Agüero is regarded as the most valuable under-21 footballer in the world. Following their dismal start to the season, Atlético will struggle to hold onto their star beyond next summer. Teams will be put off signing Agüero until then as he would be cup-tied in the Champions League having already appeared for the 'Rojiblancos' in this years edition.

Striker Borja Gonzalez of Atlético Madrid finished the Under-17 World Cup as topscorer with 5 goals, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas who achieved the same feat in the 2003 tournament in Finland.

And the Under-17's had further cause for celebration as they beat Columbia to finish the tournament in third place. They won 1-0 with Isco of Valencia scoring the winning goal in the 75th minute.

Miguel Portugal is the hot favourite to return to his old club as Racing Santander continue their search for a replacement for Mandiá. Ex-Zaragoza coach Victor Fernández was interviewed but had to turn the offer down due to television commitments with TVE.

Sergio Garcia was Real Betis' saviour with a goal in the 78th minute which rescued a draw against Celta Vigo at home. The point keeps Betis in touch with those at the top of 'La Segunda' as the fight for promotion promises to be as tight as ever.

AND FINALLY: Anyone wondering what Maradona did to deserve a two month ban from footballing activities? The reason lies below. Naughty Diego.
   

Bilbao out; Racing, Getafe and Mallorca march on: Copa del Rey Round-up

Last years losing finalists, Athletic Bilbao, fell at the first hurdle in this years Copa del Rey, as Rayo Vallecano secured a 2-2 draw at the San Mames which took them through the next round. Bilbao's bigman Fernando Llorente had several opportunities to open the scoring, but when he did find the target, he found Rayo keeper Dani in fine form. Llorente did eventually open the scoring, with a firm header from a Susaeta cross, and the comeback looked on. Yet goals for Rayo in the 71st and 77th minute, which sandwiched a goal for Javi Martinez, completed a fantastic result for the second division team, who must now harbour serious hopes of challenging for promotion to La Liga this season.

Racing Santander managed to overcome their little cup dilemma, and shook off the sacking of manager Mandiá on monday to stick four past Salamanca. The second division side opened the scoring in the 21st minute, before Santander's Burundi striker Tchité got them back in the tie with two goals before half time. He later forced an own goal before teammate Xisco clinched their passage to the next round with the final goal in the 74th minute.

Copa del Rey Results (Round of 32) 10.11.09: (Aggregate score)

Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Rayo (2-4) Rayo Vallecano through

Mallorca 1-0 Valladolid (2-2) Mallorca through on away goals rule

Racing Santander 4-1 Salamanca (4-2) Racing Santander through

Espanyol 1-1 Getafe (1-3) Getafe through

Almería - Hercules (Thursday, 9pm)

Copa del Rey Preview: 11.11.09

Wednesday sees the second wave of this weeks cup ties, with four of the remainding five ties to be decided tonight. Both Athletic Bilbao and Racing Santander will be looking to avoid the fate befallen by fellow 'Primera' teams Sporting and Tenerife yesterday, by overcoming first leg defecits to lower league opposition. Bilbao certainly have the tougher task, at home to a strong Rayo Vallecano side from the second division who take a two-goal cushion into the second leg.

Eyes will also be fixed on Espanyol's new Cornellá Stadium, as Raúl Tamudo is expected to make his long-awaited comeback following injury and his infamous spat with the club. 'Los Pericos' will be hoping he can steer the team into the next round of a competition they won in 2000 and 2006.


Copa Del Rey Fixtures: Wed 11.11.09 Second Leg (First Leg Score)

(0-2) Espanyol - Getafe 8pm
(1-2) Mallorca - Valladolid  9pm
(0-2) Athletic Bilbao - Rayo  9pm
(0-1) Racing Santander - Salamanca 9pm