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.

Copenhagen 1 - 1 Barcelona (Highlights) | Valencia 3 - 0 Rangers

Copenhagen 1 - 1 Barcelona
(0-1) 30' Messi, (1-1) 32' Claudemir

Valencia 3 - 0 Glasgow Rangers

(1-0) 32' Soldado, (2-0) 69' Soldado, (3-0) 88' Tino Costa

Malaga 1 - 4 Real Madrid (Highlights) | Barcelona 2 - 1 Valencia

Malaga 1 - 4 Real Madrid

Who said Real Madrid are lacking in firepower? They couldn't score a goal for love nor money two weeks ago, but ten goals in two matches has seen Madrid jump to the summit in La Liga. Not only have they conceded the least goals they have now also scored the most and it's clear Mourinho's message is beginning to hit home. Of course, it was only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain hit form, possibly spurred on by reports of Madrid chasing a new striker, and they were irresistible in La Rosaleda as they ripped a shell-shocked Malaga to pieces. Cristiano was at the heart of everything last night, with two goals and two assists as the Portuguese star carried on his impressive international form onto the club stage. Mesut Özil also put in a dazzling shift as he proved he can make things happen away from the Bernabeu, while Higuain showed the world his radar is back in business. Much of the talk before the match had been about whether Real Madrid could cope with Malaga's speed and incision on the break, but in the end it was yet another home defeat for the Malagueños and a defiant show of strength from the team now looking down on the rest.

Barcelona 2 - 1 Valencia

Barcelona survived a first half onslaught from Valencia to nick two second half goals and jump above Valencia in the table. Pablo Hernandez had slotted Los Che in front following a surging run from full back Matheiu, and could so easily have made it two, denied by Victor Valdes when through on goal. It would have been no less than what Valencia deserved having starved Barcelona of possession. It was a surreal first 45 minutes, the Camp Nou so accustomed to seeing their side dominate proceedings, saw their team struggle badly, continuing a worrying patch of form that has already seen them drop five points at home so far this season. But commeth the hour, commeth the man, and that man was Xavi Hernandez, returning from a spell on the sidelines to set up two goals after half time for Andres Iniesta and Carlos Puyol. The first assist was a fantastic one-two with Iniesta, and the second a pinpoint cross which was headed home emphatically by Puyol. With David Villa and Leo Messi off-colour once again, it was exactly the tonic that Barca needed and Pep Guardiola will be hoping it awakes his team from their recent slumber.

La Liga Matchday 6: Valencia and Villarreal lead the way

Valencia 2 - 1 Athletic Bilbao

(1-0) 10' Aduriz, (2-0) 91' Vicente, (2-1) 93' Gabilondo

Valencia are showing no signs of letting up at the top of La Liga as they made it 16 points out of 18 with a win over Athletic Bilbao that should have been wrapped up before half-time. Aduriz and Soldado combined for the first but having faded badly after the break they had to wait until injury time to confirm the three points. Unai Emerys team have been unstoppable in the league and after Barcas recent home form they'll be confident of getting something from the Camp Nou in two weeks time.

Villarreal 2 - 0 Racing Santander

(1-0) 8' Nilmar, (2-0) 13' Rossi

The hottest front pairing in La Liga scored two early goals that were enough for Villarreal to see of Racing Santander at the Madrigal. Racing never looked like scoring in a million years and so it was that Nilmar and Rossi, aided by the talented Cazorla and Valero, settled the match after only 13 minutes. Five wins in the last five for the Yellow Submarine sees them jump up to second.

Sevilla 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

(1-0) 28' Negredo, (2-0) 35' Perotti, (3-0) 51' Kanoute, (3-1) 57' Diego Costa

In a match that was presided by a verbal battle between Gregorio Manzano and Quique Sanchez Flores, Atleticos defensive lapses reappeared as they were ripped apart by a rampant Sevilla. Alvaro Negredo was a constant thorn in their side, curling home a stunning first and laying on the third for Kanoute. It's amazing what a change of manager can do to a team in crisis.

Real Zaragoza 2 - 2 Sporting Gijon

(0-1) 32' Obradevic (o.g), (0-2) 48' Diego Castro (p), (1-2) 56' Sinama-Pongolle, (2-2) 61' Sinama-Pongolle

Real Zaragoza may be second bottom. And they may be in the midst of their third worst start to a season ever, but they can take a huge amount of credit from this match as they came from two down and a man down to rescue a point against the wasteful Sporting Gijon. Jiri Jarosiks ludicrous tackle from behind seemed to have killed off Zaragoza, and Jose Aurelio Gays stay on the Romareda bench, but Sinama-Pongolle, who hadnt netted in La Liga since January 2009, blasted in two goals in five minutes to save his managers bacon and lift his team off the foot of the table. Still, this shouldn't disguise yet another sub-standard performance which only served the confirm the monumental struggle Real Zaragoza are going to endure this season.

Almeria 1 - 1 Malaga

(0-1) 50' Quincy, (1-1) 76' Uche

Osasuna 1 - 1 Levante

(1-0) 72' Pandiani, (1-1) 79' Sergio

Getafe 3 - 0 Hercules

(1-0) 20' Parejo, (2-0) 42' Manu, (3-0) 81' Miku

Real Sociedad 1 - 0 Espanyol

(1-0) 83' Forlin (o.g)

Valencia 0 - 1 Manchester United (Highlights) | Rubin Kazan 1 - 1 Barcelona

Valencia 0 - 1 Manchester United
(0-1) 85' Chicharito

Valencia learned the hard way as they fell to their first defeat of the season. Fail to take your chances in the Champions League and you'll pay the price. After converting pretty much everything that came their way in Turkey against Bursaspor, last night Roberto Soldado was guilty of missing an open goal as Manchester United stole victory in the dying minutes through that little pea, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. It must have been strange for Valencia going into this match. With Man United going through a rough patch and 'Los Che' flying high at the top of La Liga, they were regarded by many as pre-match favourites. And they justified the tag with a performance that offered everything but the finishing touch.

Early on the label of favourites clearly didn't sit comfortably with the Valencia as they showed far too much respect to their opponents, giving them plenty of time and space to stroke the ball around when it would have been far more effective to press and harry a jittery United into mistakes. As mind-numbingly boring as some spells of the match were, the last 15 minutes saw the tie liven up and after the introduction of young guns Federico Macheda and Chicharito, Man United grabbed the all-important winner with a late counter which was dispatched with lethal accuracy by the young Mexican. Classic Man United performance away from home in the CL, but a disappointing finale for Valencia, who on reflection deserved at least a point, a fact lamented by Unai Emery in the post-match press conference. Still, two wins against Glasgow Rangers will get their campaign firmly back on track.

Rubin Kazan 1 - 1 Barcelona

(0-1) 30' Noboa (p), (1-1) 60' Villa (p)

Barcelona made it three Champions League ties out of three without a win against little Rubin Kazan. Teams sometimes feel they only have one way of getting a result against Barca these days, and it's unfortunate that it involves packing ten men behind the ball. Rubin lined up in a 5-4-1 formation with a double defensive pivot and it strangled the life out of Barcelona and the match in general. There was not an inch of space in sight as Iniesta, Villa, Pedro and Xavi struggled to create chances. The two defining moments in the match came courtesy of two clumsy challenges in the box, which lead to penalties converted by Christian Noboa and David Villa. Lionel Messi made a return from injury to spark the match into life, but even the little wizard was unable to find a way through the wall of browny purple. Matches of this nature have to be expected as smaller, inferior teams try to cope against the mighty Catalans, but things will change as we enter into the knock-out stages.

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 3 Barcelona (Highlights) | Levante 0 - 0 Real Madrid

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 3 Barcelona
(0-1) 54' Keita, (0-2) 73' Xavi, (1-2) 90' Gabilondo, (1-3) 92' Busquets

After their uninspired win over Sporting Gijon, all the talk in the Spanish press had been about Barcelonas 'Messidependencia'. When you think about it, which team wouldn't depend on a player like Messi? It was the same last season with Real Madrid and the 'Cristianodependencia' debate. It's an argument I don't really understand. Teams will always depend on their greatest stars to produce the goods. And they'll always miss them when they're injured. Just some handle the loss better than others, especially when you have Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and Pedro to fall back on. Tonights trip to the Cathedral of Spanish football was a test of Barcas mettle. A raucous home crowd, a rain-soaked pitch and a team of red and white foot soldiers. There are few tougher assignments in La Liga, especially when you're without your biggest name.

Barca passed with flying colours. Yes, they were helped by the refs odd decision to send off Amorebieta for a robust challenge on Iniesta, but the Azulgrana were always in control. Athletic Bilbao probed away and the giant Fernando Llorente threw himself around but with Iniesta and Xavi dominating in the centre and Villa a constant threat, Bilbao always struggled to get hold of the ball. And things were made even more difficult after half an hour when Amorebieta was shown red when the ref should really have produced yellow. With the sending off, Athletics hopes vanished into the cloud filled skies. David Villa had hit the post in the first half, but the inevitable opening goal came early in the second half as Keita neatly slipped the ball under Iraizoz. Then Xavi fired in before Bilbao gave themselves late hope with a tap in from Gabilondo. But with seconds remaining Busquets made sure of the three points after David Villa had also seen red for hitting out at Gurpegui. Messidependencia? Not today.

Levante 0 - 0 Real Madrid

I'm pretty sure tonight was the night Jose Mourinho realised the scale of his task at the Bernabeu. Off the pitch he's doing all the right things. This weeks comment that 'teams gift wins to Barca' made sure Real Madrids dodgy start to the season has stayed well clear from the back pages of the papers. On the pitch is another matter. The defence is fine, with Carvalho, Pepe (suspended for tonights match), Sergio Ramos and Marcelo protecting San Iker admirably. Astonishingly it's up top where Madrid are suffering. Gonzalo Higuain has been shocking at times this season while Cristiano looks desparately short of inspiration. And as for Mesut Özil, the young German just can't get into games away from the Bernabeu. I have no doubts that all will come good, but the longer their dry spell continues, the more problems Real Madrid will have in putting teams to the sword. Six goals from 105 efforts so far this season tells its own story.

But to only speak of Madrids failure infront of goal would be doing Levante a huge injustice. After the start they've had, you would think they would have been dreading the visit of Madrid, but Levante were well up for it. Ballesteros and Nano were rocks at the back but it was very much a team effort. Manager Luis Garcia (an ex-Atletico player) remarked that his team finished the match 'physically exhausted'. It was certainly a point well-earned and after the midweek win against Almeria, they seem to have finally acclimatised to life back in La Liga. But for Madrid it was another 0-0 to add to their opening day no-score draw at Mallorca and they drop a point behind Barca and two behind leaders Valencia.

Sporting Gijon 0 - 2 Valencia

(0-1) 7' Topal, (0-2) 10' Soldado

Valencia carried on their stunning start to the season with a notable win against Sporting Gijon at El Molinon. Topal and Soldado got the two early goals that ripped the life out of Sporting and had the match sewn up after only ten minutes. Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez put in classy performances and Roberto Soldado always looks like he has a goal or two in him. Sporting manager Manuel Preciado believes Valencia are serious candidates for La Liga but I have to disagree with him. Yes they've had a storming start to the season, but I look at the teamsheet and while it is full of quality, I can't see them seriously challenging Barca and Real Madrid over the course of a whole season. As always when it comes to the debate of the 'big two' in Spain, I hope they prove me wrong. In the meantime they have an impenetrable defence and an exciting attacking style that is bringing goals and points. Their biggest test so far awaits midweek. A visit from Manchester United.

Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza
(1-0) 20' Diego Costa

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 2 Almeria
(0-1) 4' Uche, (0-2) 18' Uche

Hercules 2 - 0 Sevilla
(1-0) 21' Trezeguet (p), (2-0) 38' Trezeguet

Espanyol 1 - 0 Osasuna
(1-0) 24' Alvaro Vazquez

Mallorca 2 - 0 Real Sociedad
(1-0) 5' Cavenaghi, (2-0) 61' Cavenaghi

Racing Santander 0 - 1 Getafe
(0-1) 16' Victor Sanchez

Malaga 2 - 3 Villarreal
(1-0) 4' Eliseu, (1-1) 21' Cazorla, (1-2) 23' Rossi, (2-2) 29' Rondon, (2-3) 33' Cazorla

LA LIGA: Barcelona 1 - 0 Sporting Gijon (Highlights)

Barcelona 1 - 0 Sporting Gijon
(1-0) 49' Villa

Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Valencia

(1-0) 19' Simao, (1-1) 83' Aduriz

Real Zaragoza 0 - 0 Hercules

Almeria 0 - 1 Levante

(0-1) 39' Sergio

Sevilla 1 - 1 Racing Santander
(1-0) 13' Negredo (p), (1-1) 54' Pinillos

Villarreal 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 33' Nilmar

Getafe 0 - 2 Malaga
(0-1) 54' Rondon, (0-2) 62' Apoño (p)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Barcelona 5 - 1 Panathinaikos | Bursaspor 0 - 4 Valencia

Barcelona 5 - 1 Panathinaikos
(0-1) 20' Govou, (1-1) 21' Messi, (2-1) 33' Villa, (3-1) 45' Messi, (4-1) 77' Pedro, (5-1) 92' Alves

For 60 seconds the Camp Nou was getting worried there. They needn't have, not when Leo Messi is in this mood. The Argentine conjured up another special performance on the biggest stage with two glorious goals, a masterful assist and a shot which hit two posts and lead to a Pedro tap-in. He even earned (and missed) a penalty with one of his trademark runs. 'La Pulga' was once again unstoppable, and Panathinaikos had no answer. Sidney Govou put the Greeks infront after twenty minutes but any lingering doubts from the shock defeat at the weekend were banished with one dink of Messis left boot, not even a minute later. Leos second was sublime, a work of art, with two one-twos on a sixpence and a thunderous finish that gave the defenders and keeper no chance. David Villa opened his Champions League account with a typically sharp finish from a corner with Pedro and Dani Alves getting on the scoresheet late on to make the scoreline a fairer reflection of the match. They were given an almighty kick up the backside on saturday but Peps men are back in business.

Bursaspor 0 - 4 Valencia

(0-1) 16' Tino Costa, (0-2) 41' Aduritz, (0-3) 68' Pablo Hernandez, (0-4) 76' Soldado

Just check out that opener from new boy Tino Costa. An absolute scorcher. His 40 yard bullet and a superb curling free kick which lead to the second set Valencia towards a commendable victory over the Turkish champions Bursaspor with a scoreline that will have been read loud and clear over in Glasgow and Manchester. I had read earlier today that Manchester United would soon be facing a 'declining Valencia' in the next Champions League matchday. No doubt judged solely on the departure of the two Davids, because they still have more than enough artillery to trouble Europes finest. Aritz Aduritz and Roberto Soldado both got on the scoresheet which will do wonders for their confidence as they seek to emerge from Villas shadow, with Pablo Hernandez poking one in after some confusion in the Turkish box. Stunning start to the season for 'Los Che'.



LA LIGA MATCHDAY 2: Hercules shock Barcelona at Camp Nou (Highlights)

Barcelona 0 - 2 Hercules
(0-1) 26' Valdez, (0-2) 58' Valdez

No one can say they saw that coming. Unless your name is Esteban Vigo of course. When the Hercules manager stated midweek that his team would only be happy with a win in the Camp Nou, there was a deathly silence followed by howls of derision. No-one had won there last season so how on earth were newly-promoted Hercules going to. You'll be lucky if you're not on the end of a thrashing thought the rest of Spain. But had they read the history books? The last time Hercules were in the top flight, they did the league double over Barcelona. An own goal by Pep Guardiola in the Camp Nou to boot. And he committed another own goal today when he messed around with a winning formula to give a debut to Javier Mascherano, who had a miserable first half before being hauled off at half-time. A foul from the Argentine led to Hercules' opener, and in all fairness he was lucky not to be shown red having already been on a yellow. Another reckless purchase to rival big Zlatan?

Perhaps it was the fact that half his team had been involved in a meaningless friendly in Argentina days before. Maybe it was the herculean effort from keeper Juan Calatayud. But whatever it was, Barcelona were utterly incapable of breaking down a stubborn away backline. So it was left to Paraguayan striker Nelson Valdez, (remember the name!) to mark his debut in the grandest of manners with a clinical double which grabbed his side the points and the weekends headlines. David Trezeguet and young sub Kiko (the kid looked extremely useful in a late cameo) even had gilt-edged chances to make it three. A surreal match the like of which we probably won't see again too soon. How many times will you see Victor Valdes saving Barcelona from a hiding at home against a new boy in town? Massive slip for Barca and they now slide a point behind Real Madrid.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Osasuna

(1-0) 48' Carvalho

You look at the Real Madrid line-up and it has GOAL written all over it. In Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema they have at least 60 goals a season guaranteed. Slightly surprising then that Real Madrid struggled past Osasuna with a goal from new centre back Ricardo Carvalho, so far the only man to get on the scoresheet for 'Los Merengues' this season. Higuain was once again wasteful infront of goal, while Cristiano struggled to get into the game on his return from an ankle injury. Mourinhos team still havn't got into their stride yet but they had enough to see off Jose Antonio Camachos predictably rugged team, with Mesut Özil wooing the Berbabeu crowd with a cultured home debut full of attacking vivacity which earned the ex-Bremen man a well-deserved ovation when he was subbed late on. But all that will matter to everyone connected to Real Madrid is that they are one point clear of eternal rivals Barcelona. Advantage Mourinho.

Athletic Bilbao 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid

(0-1) 10' Forlan, (0-2) 80' Thiago, (1-2) 88' Llorente

Atleti fly back to the top of the table with a performance that offered yet more evidence that this season they should be ironed on certs for a Champions League spot at least. Over the course of a season I'm still not convinced they'll quite have enough to challenge Barca and Real Madrid at the top but a new-found resilience in defence coupled with the usual attacking flair means they will be a match for anyone. Diego Godin looks a superb signing at the back and his assertiveness is rubbing off on Luis Perea and Antonio Lopez, players who thrive when high on confidence. After a superb goal from Diego Forlan and a header ten minutes from time by sub Thiago the points looked safe. But Athletic Bilbao pulled a goal back in the dying minutes through Fernando Llorente, courtesy of a flying run from the impressive De Marcos, to set up a tense finale but the late equaliser never materialised. Atletis first real test passed with flying colours, though the biggest test of all is just around the corner. Home tie v Barca.

Valencia 1 - 0 Racing Santander

(1-0) 45' Maduro

Unai Emery couldnt have imagined a better start to the season in his wildest dreams. But sometimes the loss of a couple of stars can galvanise a team, and the departures of Villa and Silva seem to have done just that. Valencia were dreadful in the first half but numerous saves from veteran keeper Cesar and a late goal from Dutch defender Maduro sent 'Los Che' in at halftime in the lead. If Racing had brought their shooting boots it could have been a rout, but they were no doubt left in the cupboard back in Santander. The second half saw the home side find their rhythm, but there were to be no more goals. Only an unfortunate injury to midfield showman Ever Banega soured a win that sees Valencia on six points from six.

Villarreal 4 - 0 Espanyol
(1-0) 23' Rossi, (2-0) 31' Valero, (3-0) 55' Rossi (p), (4-0) 77' Nilmar

Sevilla 0 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña

Sporting Gijon 2 - 0 Mallorca
(1-0) 47' Botia, (2-0) 86' D. Castro (p)

Real Zaragoza 3 - 5 Malaga
(0-1) 1' Fernando, (0-2) 7' Juanmi, (0-3) 27' Fernando, (0-4) 29' Juanmi, (0-5) 34' Quincy, (1-5) 40' Edmilson, (2-5) 68' Marco Perez, (3-5) 80' Ander Herrera

Getafe 4 - 1 Levante
(1-0) 5' Gavilan, (2-0) 10' Colunga, (2-1) 13' Rafa Jorda, (3-1) 90' Gavilan, (4-1) 90' Arizmendi

Almeria 2 - 2 Real Sociedad
(0-1) 8' Tamudo, (1-1) 21' Piatti, (1-2) 33' Sutil, (2-2) 90' Ulloa

La Liga Matchday One: Barcelona, Atletico and Sevilla the early pacesetters

Life in La Liga didn't get off to the best of starts for Jose Mourinho. A trip to plucky Mallorca was never going to be an easy task, but after yet another summer of splashing the cash, and with a fair few weeks of preparation, you would have expected Real Madrid to pick up the three points. Nevertheless, Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo were the main culprits, as Madrid wasted numerous chances, while Mallorca keeper Dudu Aouate put in an inspired shift. For me, Real Madrid still lack an identity, something which plagued them all last season. With the players they have at their disposal they will always get chances, plenty of them. But to overhaul Barcelona and the cream of European football they really need to find a style to call their own and stick to it. Luckily for them, Mourinho is a master in this art. Just look at what he did with Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. His teams may not have won many plaudits for entertainment over the years but they all had their way of playing, leading the special one to two Champions League trophies in six years. Don't expect any Pellegrini style witchhunts. Mourinho will be given plenty of time to sort this out.

Trouble is Barcelona may already be out of sight. They picked up just where they left off last season with a demolition job on Racing Santander, orchestrated by the irresistible front three of Iniesta, Messi and debutant David Villa. All three got on the scoresheet, with Andres Iniestas goal a sublime first-time volleyed effort from well outside the area. Elsewhere, there were convincing wins for Sevilla and Valencia, as the usual suspects failed to disappoint on the opening day of the season. Out of the three new kids on the block, only Real Sociedad chalked up three points with a noteworthy victory over perennial slow starters Villarreal, while Levante and Hercules will have to wait until next week for their second chance to get precious early points on the board.

Racing Santander 0 - 3 Barcelona

(0-1) 4' Messi, (0-2) 33' Iniesta, (0-3) 62' Villa

Just check out Iniestas piece of magic. Out of this world. Leo Messi already gets his Pichichi 2010/2011 campaign off and running with a delightful chipped effort, while Victor Valdes began his hunt for the Zamora in fine fettle after repelling Tchites penalty. Barcelona already into their glorious stride and David Villa finds the back of the net on his league debut. Racing coach Miguel Portugal reckons they are even stronger than last season. Ominous.

Mallorca 0 - 0 Real Madrid

Not the start Jose Mourinho was looking for. Real Madrid created a wealth of chances, but with Higuain in misfiring mood and Mallorcas defence/keeper on fire, a 0-0 draw was inevitable. Things got worse for Mourinho when Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out for 2/3 weeks after the match was a muscle strain. Queit debut for Canales, while Carvalho looked solid and Özil more than useful when he joined the party late on.

Levante 1 - 4 Sevilla

(1-0) 10' Ruben Suarez (p), (1-1) 12' Konko, (1-2) 28' Negredo (p), (1-3) 62' Konko, (1-4) 87' Renato

Sevillas post Spanish Supercup/Champions League elimination hangover looked to have dragged over to La Liga when Levante took an early lead, but well taken goals from unlikely source Konko, and a penalty from Negredo got the Sevillanos back on track. Levante early candidates for bottom place on this showing.

Espanyol 3 - 1 Getafe

(1-0) 33' Osvaldo, (2-0) 54' Osvaldo, (2-1) 61' Galan (o.g), (3-1) 94' Datolo

Espanyol, spurred on by their victory in the Trofeo Ramon Carranza, hit the ground running with red hot striker Osvaldo blasting two in a convincing win over a dissapointing Getafe. Life could be difficult for the Madrileños without Pedro Leon and Roberto Soldado.

Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 0 Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza did more than enough to put Depor to the sword in a drab match, but a combination of slack forward play and a quite incredible miss from new boy Marco Perez (see video!) meant Los Maños left with only a point. Could be a long season for Depor on this evidence.

Osasuna 0 - 0 Almería

This match was never going to set the world alight but a goal would have been nice. Neither team attacked, neither team looked like scoring. Both teams seemed happy to finish the match with a point. You won't see many goals from Almeria or Osasuna this season.

Real Sociedad 1 - 0 Villarreal

(1-0) 57' Xabi Prieto

Real Sociedad coach Martin Lasarte opted to go for local youth for their first tie back in the big time and it worked wonders. Carlos Martinez and Xabi Prieto put in quality performances with the latter grabbing the all important goal that got the team from San Sebastian off to a winning start. Villarreal were just dismal. Will we see a repeat of their infamous start to 2009/2010?

Malaga 1 - 3 Valencia

(0-1) 9' Aduriz, (1-1) 44' Sebas Fernandez, (1-2) 70' Joaquin, (1-3) 74' Joaquin

There are many, myself included, that thought Valencia would struggle badly this season after losing Villa and Silva. Yesterday proved us wrong. For the time being at least. As long as Joaquin continues to produce match-winning cameos and Aritz Aduriz keeps banging them in, they'll be fine. Staying tight at the back will be vital. Does Cesar have another cracking season in him?

Hercules 0 - 1 Athletic Bilbao

(0-1) 46' Llorente

Hercules found out the hard way. Missed chances and a failure to capitalise on incessant pressure will be punished, especially when big Fernando Llorente is around. The World Cup winner stooped to head in a 46th minute winner to get his team out of a tricky situation against a lively home side who faded badly as the second half wore on.

Atletico Madrid  4 - 0 Sporting Gijon
(1-0) 11' Jurado, (2-0)  40' Forlan, (3-0) 62' Forlan, (4-0) 93' Simao

A breathtaking performance from Atletico. Jurado waved goodbye to the Vicente Calderon with a goal and a dazzling display, with Diego Forlan continuing his scoring form from the World Cup. Even the much-maligned Tomas Ujfalusi chipped in with a marauding display down the right that will give young left back Canella nightmares for weeks to come. Simaos late goal was an absolute beauty. European Supercup winners and top of the league. Not a bad week for Quiques men. 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS 2010/2011 - Real Madrid drawn in group of death

Here you have the Champions League draw which gave us the groups for the 2010/2011 edition of the most glamourous competition in world football. Three Liga teams were in the draw and whilst Barcelona will be relatively happy with the three teams they've been pitched against, although it does include another tough trip out to Rubin Kazan once more, Valencia and even more so, Real Madrid, will be feeling a little hard done by. Valencia face tricky ties against Manchester United and Turkish unknowns Bursaspor, while Real Madrid will have to negotiate their way out of a group containing AC Milan, Ajax and Auxerre. Quite a few European trophies out of that lot. Mourinhos baptism of fire. My prediction: All three to make it to the knock-out stages.

BARCELONA: David Villa joins for €40million from Valencia

It's official. For the next four seasons at least, David Villa will be a Barcelona player after signing from Valencia for €40million. Pep Guardiola and Joan Laporta have moved swiftly to ensure that Barca will have the most feared frontline in football once the 2010/2011 season kicks off. Not even Florentino will be able to match that this summer. Taking into account Titi Henrys probable exit, Villa joins Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bojan and Pedro in a mouthwatering array of striking riches. How will Pep fit them all into his plans? With Pedro a nailed-on starter, young Bojan looks set for another year of benchwarming, while big Zlatan must be fearing for his on/off place in the team after a largely uninspiring debut season. But Pep's got a whole summer to ponder that one over. My one worry about Villa? His age. Has he already peaked? Fingers crossed the best is still to come. Tomorrow the Spanish number '7' will undergo the medical before being unveiled before the fans in the Camp Nou on friday afternoon. Next on the list: Cesc Fabregas.

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.

Kaka saves Real Madrids blushes as they close on Barcelona (Highlights)

Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Real Madrid

(0-1) 50' Raul, (1-1) 61' Colunga, (1-2) 82' Kaka

Kaká and Raul rose like phoenixes from the flames to reignite Real Madrids title challenge, just when it looked to have burned out at La Romareda. Both had only just returned from lengthy injuries and who knows just how important their contributions against Real Zaragoza will be. Rauls goal typified a career that has spanned 16 years and 228 league goals (now third in the all-time list) as he struck only moments after having asked to be subbed, limping as he raced into the area to slot in just after half-time. How Real Madrid will need to display the same drive and determination in their dogged pursuit of Barca. Just after Rauls goal, a moment of madness from Zaragoza defender Matteo Contini left his team down to ten men and Real Madrid looked home and dry.

That was until Adrian Colunga, on for Suazo, who dislocated his shoulder, raced onto an exquisite pass from Abel Aguilar to round Casillas and stroke the ball home. It was a critical moment for Real Madrid as they stared a second successive trophyless season full on in the face, until their Brazilian star jumped off the bench after two months out, collected a Cristiano Ronaldo pass and slotted past the otherwise impressive Roberto. A crucial goal and a deserved victory as we enter into a possibly pivotal weekend where Barca travel to Villarreal and Real Madrid host Osasuna.

Barcelona 3 - 1 Xerez
(1-0) 14' Jeffren, (2-0) 24' Henry, (2-1) 25' Bermejo, (3-1) 55' Ibrahimovic

Barcelona jumped another fence succesfully as they overcame a spirited performance from Xerez to maintain their one point advantage over Real Madrid. It wasn't pretty but it was hugely effective as goals from Jeffren, Thierry Henry and Ibrahimovic cancelled out a stunning strike from Mario Bermejo to leave Xerez on the edge of the drop. A victory for Malaga today will surely sentence the Xerezanos to relegation. But they can take great credit for a performance that was as good as any seen by a visiting team at the Camp Nou this season, matching Barca pass for pass. Gorositos men even had chances to equalise just after half-time, but as soon as Zlatan converted a slide rule pass from Yaya Toure, the game was up. The match ended on a nasty note as Orellana and Alustiza both received red for the visitors. 7 yellow cards and 2 reds were shown to Xerez during the match. Excessive to say the least. After the final whistle the Barcelona players wore shirts pleading for extra support on wednesday as their attentions turn to their hugely important Champions League semi final second leg against Mourinhos Inter Milan.

Valencia 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña

(1-0) 33' Villa (p)

Third place secured for Unai Emerys side? David Villa scored his 15th consecutive penalty to record a deserved win for Valencia. They dominated Depor throughout and only a resolute defensive performance from Piscu and Ze Castro. At the other end of the pitch Deportivo were non-existant as Riki and Adrian ghosted through the match almost unnoticed. A promising start from the Galicians has faded badly since the halfway mark with their hopes of UEFA qualification hanging by a thread.

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 bounce back to see off Almeria (Highlights)

Almeria 1 - 2 Real Madrid
(1-0) 14' Crusat (1-1) 27' Cristiano Ronaldo (1-2) 69' Van der Vaart

It was by no means easy, but Real Madrid will be pleased with a job well done against a feisty Almeria as they left the Estadio Mediterraneo with three vital points that keeps the pressure on Barca. Juanma Lillo set up his side to frustrate Madrid and use the pace and trickery of Crusat and Piatti to hurt the visitors on the flanks, and it was all going to plan when Crusat put his side one up after 14 minutes following Kala Uches run and cross from the byline. At that point, Real Madrid were against the ropes and their season was threatening to implode, when that man Cristiano Ronaldo scored a beauty out of the blue to put his side back in the contest.

The celebration, a 'hand-to-ear' gesture, wasn't well received by his superiors who reprimanded the Portuguese star for his actions after the match. The winger from Madeira has clearly failed to learn his lesson after last weekends humbling from Barcelona. From then on it was a battle between Pellegrinis men and Almerias brilliant Brazilian Diego Alves, who must have produced at least five world class saves during the 90 minutes. Just as it looked like the keeper would wreck any lingering hopes Madrid have of clawing back Barca, Rafael Van der Vaart popped up to whip in a viscious strike and secure the win. Six matches left and they need Barca to falter in two. Not impossible. Just unlikely.

Valencia 2 - 0 Athletic Bilbao

(1-0) 34' Silva, (2-0) 62' Silva

Valencia all but confirmed their place in next seasons Champions League with a comfortable victory against Athletic Bilbao. Joaquin Caparros' men were never at the races and struggled to conjure up more than a few half chances that were all repelled by Cesar who is enjoying a fine twilight to his long career. They had been looking to secure their own European spot, but defeat leaves them only a point ahead of Getafe as they fight it out for the last Europa League position. For Valencia, David Silva was in fine form and notched both goals in either half. His first was a relatively simple chance from only a metre out, but the second was pure Silva magic. Collecting Joaquins pass inside the area, he controlled and turned inside his defender in one movement, before shifting the ball onto his wand of a left foot and curling it out of Iraizozs reach and into the far corner. His partner in crime, David Villa, had one of his quieter nights and Spain fans will be hoping he recaptures his killer instinct soon as South Africa approaches.

On a further note, it will come as little surprise who has emerged as Real Madrids new summer target. I'll give you all a clue....Valencia are in town this weekend. Only a matter of months after Jesus Navas was target numero uno, coincidentally just before they were set to play Sevilla, David Silva has now replaced him at the top of Florentinos infamous wishlist. Subtlety has never been their finest quality. Next week it will be Jermaine Pennant!

Europa League: Atletico win Battle of Spain and face Liverpool in the Semis

Atletico Madrid won through the Battle of Spain to book their place in the semi-final of the Europa League where they will meet Liverpool and former hero Fernando Torres. The match failed to live up to the five star billing, as Atlético just about shaded a disappointingly dull first half. Valencia perked up after the break, but only really began to exert any real pressure within the last ten minutes with David Villa smashing a shot against the crossbar as Valencia came desparately close to the goal that would have sent them through in an enthralling finale.

Unai Emery threw on the big man Nicola Zigic and the beanpole made all the difference. Imperious in the air, the giant Serb won absolutely everything thrown up towards him. Then with 86 minutes on the clock, controversy struck. Vicente whipped the ball into the box, and with Zigic a yard from the goalline and odds on to nod in, he had his shirt ripped apart by Juanito, in what was about as clear a penalty as you will ever see. If I were a Valencia fan I would be livid, and Unai Emery certainly wasn't best pleased with Florian Meyers decision, with his remonstrations earning him a red card in the aftermath. I honestly can't see this six referee experiment continuing after this tournament, cause not one of those who stand by the area has the courage to make a match-changing decision. Has anyone seen them do anything?

Although Valencia will feel aggrieved, Atlético deserved to go through on the balance of the two ties. They say you make your luck in football and their lack of adventure in the first 80 minutes of this match cost them dearly. That said, they were denied miraculously on numerous occasions as the match drew to a close by that man David De Gea who is rapidly making a name for himself in the Vicente Calderon. Yet another Spanish keeper throwing his name in the hat for that infamous third goalkeeping spot in Spains World Cup squad.

So those long-suffering fans finally have a European semi final to celebrate 11 years later. Liverpool await in the semis, with two of Europes most passionate sets of fans ready to lock horns two years after their eventful Champions League clashes in 2008. I'd like to send my congratulations to the boys over at MadridAtleticos, who will no doubt be celebrating their teams achievement in Madrid over the weekend! It's been an eventful season in the red and white half of the capital, but incredibly they're now only one step from the Europa League final in Hamburg. Arise Sir Quique.

Europa League: Valencia 2 - 2 Atletico Madrid (Highlights)

It promised goals and it didn't disappoint. Pure entertainment from the two Spanish teams left in the Europa League, as Atletico Madrid and Valencia treated us to a feast of football in the Mestalla. The first half ended goalless after 45 minutes of end-to-end football, with Simao coming closest to breaking the stalemate with a curler which struck Cesars post, whilst David Villa had a goal ruled out for offside. Sergio Agüero was at his mischievous best, and when he broke free without a defender in sight 13 minutes into the second half, he unselfishly squared to his best bud Diego Forlán who had the simple task of tapping in. Atleti fans will have been pleased to see them celebrate the goal with a manly hug. Friends again? 

What will have really pleased Quique was a defensive performance that handled Valencias front quartet with relative comfort, bar some magical moments from David Silva that few defences in world football could cope with. And there wasn't a error in sight as Valencias equaliser came from distance, and what a goal it was. A bullet of a shot from Manuel Fernandes that flew through Raul Garcias legs and past a helpless De Gea. That guy has a sledgehammer of a right foot. Five minutes later, Atletico nudged themselves back infront, with little full-back Antonio Lopez nodding in after Dominguez had headed a corner back across goal. Two away goals that could prove priceless. David Villa got Valencia back on level terms, with a typically sharp finish after good work from young Jordi Alba and Vicente, as next weeks clash at the Vicente Calderon promises to be a classic.

Ibrahimovic saves Barcelonas blushes against Osasuna

Barcelona 2 - 0 Osasuna

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

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

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

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

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

Tenerife 2 - 2 Villarreal

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

Real Valladolid 0 - 0 Espanyol

Racing Santander 0 - 0 Mallorca

Almeria 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza

(1-0) 61' Uche

Europa League Draw: Valencia and Atletico drawn together

The Europa League draw wasn't quite as kind on La Liga as the Champions League draw, as the only two Spanish sides left in the competition, Valencia and Atletico Madrid, were pitted against each other. To top it all off, the winner will most probably face competition favourites Liverpool in the semi-final. Even so it promises to be an electric clash between two sides that attack with relish and defend hesitantly. I predict a few goals in that one. Any tie with Diego Forlan, Sergio Agüero, David Villa and David Silva has goals written all over it. My prediction? Heart says Atletico, head says Valencia.

EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER/SEMI DRAW: