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!

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.

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

La Liga relegation dogfight hots up as Real Valladolid and Tenerife win

Real Valladolid and Tenerife secured three vital points apiece as they revived their hopes of survival. Having shared the points this weekend in the Canaries, any less than a midweek win could have proved decisive as both look to avoid the dreaded drop into what the Spanish delightfully term 'Hell'. Real Valladolid welcomed Sevilla to the Jose Zorilla, with the Andalucians scrapping with Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao for that final Champions League slot. Yet not for the first time recently, Sevilla looked devoid of any threat, and succumbed to strikes from Diego Costa and Manucho, as Javier Clemente continues to stamp his authority upon a situation that only days ago had looked out of control.

Tenerife were also in last-chance saloon and they didn't disappoint as they recorded a noteworthy win away at Sporting Gijon. Infact it was incredibly their first away win of the season and it came at just the right time. With Sporting keeper Juan Pablo in fine form they had to wait until late on before making sure of the three points as Román and Alfaro found the net in the last twenty minutes at El Molinon. The pressure is really on Málaga, Real Zaragoza and Racing Santander, as any dropped points tomorrow would signal their return into the relegation dogfight. As for Xerez, any less than a win at the Vicente Calderon would mean almost certain relegation back to La Segunda. But with five teams still fighting it out tooth and nail, its really hotting up at the bottom of La Liga.

Real Valladolid 2 - 1 Sevilla

(1-0) 41' Diego Costa, (2-0) 53' Manucho, (2-1) 83' Cala

Sporting Gijon 0 - 2 Tenerife

(0-1) 70' Roman, (0-2) 87' Alfaro

Getafe 3 - 0 Villarreal
(1-0) 56' Miku (2-0) 72' Manu (3-0) 86' Miku

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 go three points clear

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Sporting Gijon

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

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

Xerez 2 - 1 Tenerife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.
  

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.
  

La Liga Saturday Round-up: 07.11.09

Atletico Madrid will have to wait a few more months before they get another chance to break their derby jinx, as Real Madrid left the Vicente Calderon with another three points in the bag. Real came flying out the blocks and as has so often happened in the past, took an early lead with a Kaká belter from outside the box on 4 minutes. Marcelo doubled their lead with a close range drive from an angle after 24 minutes and suddenly Atletico were all over the place, chasing the match with four upfront and two in the middle, and it told as Lass and Xabi Alonso exerted total control. What was surprising is that it took until the 63rd minute for Real's third, when Higuain robbed the dithering Perea of possession and raced into the box to poke past Sergio Asenjo. But the match turned two minutes later when Sergio Ramos was shown red for taking out Agüero when through on goal. Forlán (who had a poor match) finished an excellent Atletico move to give them hope, and suddenly it was game on as Agüero powered pass Pepe to shoot across Casillas and into the net. The atmosphere was electric for the final few frantic minutes, and Casillas made a fantastic stop from Agüero at the death as the home side finished the match with five up top, but Real Madrid held on for a vital win in their two-horse race with Barca.

Barcelona were made to work by a well-oiled Mallorca unit, but their greater potency upfront proved crucial. Pedro put Barca infront after an outrageous back-heel pass from Ibrahimovic in the 11th minute, but Mallorca levelled eight minutes later when Nunes headed in from a corner. Mallorca stood toe to toe with Barca, but the champions killed the match just before half time with another goal from young Pedro (what a season he's having) after 40 minutes, and a close range header from Thierry Henry two minutes later. The second half saw Mallorca show the same determination and will as the first half and they certainly werent overawed in the Camp Nou. The introduction of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, who had all started on the bench, saw Barca lift the pace, and Messi lifted some of the pressure placed on him by the media, when he stroked home a penalty earned by Ibrahimovic in the 86th minutes. There was still time for Mallorca to restore some pride two minutes into injury time with a goal from Keita, but the match had already been won and Barca march on.

In the Heliodoro Stadium, neither Tenerife nor Málaga got the three points they both so desparately needed, as both defenses failed to cover themselves in glory. Román put the islanders infront after 18 minutes with a well-taken goal inside the area, after a fantastic run and cross from the ever-dangerous Omar. Seven minutes later they were two up when Alfaro smashed high into the net following a slide rule pass from Kome. But Málaga refused to cave in, and were back in it after 27 minutes when Portuguese striker Edinho tapped in a rebound from Obinna's shot. Tenerife had their chances to extend their lead, including a rejected stone-wall penalty, but were made to pay for their profligacy when young Javi Lopez curled in a delicious goal with little more than ten minutes left.

Team of the moment Deportivo La Coruña planted themselves in the Champions League positions with a deserved 0-2 victory away to Getafe. Former Valencia striker Mista repaid the faith shown by manager Lotina, by powering in a diving header after 14 minutes. The Galicians didnt make their task easy when Riki was shown red after 25 minutes, but having lost against Real Madrid with a numerical advantage, Getafe seem to prefer to play against eleven. Brazilian Luis Filipe was giving Getafe's Miguel Torres a torrid left down the left flank, and having set up the first goal, Mista returned the favour by squaring across goal for Luis Filipe to tap in for the second on 58 minutes. Getafe would have been horrified when Deportivo were reduced to nine with Sergio's dismissal in the 71st minute, but Coruña failed to take further advantage of Getafes inability to play against less than eleven men!

Getafe 0 - 2 Deportivo
Tenerife 2 - 2 Málaga
Barcelona 4 - 2 Mallorca
Atletico Madrid 2 - 3 Real Madrid