(0-1) 54' Higuaín, (1-1) 60' Villa, (1-2) 65' Higuaín, (2-2) 80' Joaquín, (2-3) 83' Garay
- Many, including me, expected Valencia to spring a surprise today, especially with Kaká and CR9 missing. Real Madrid were having none of it as they put in a perfect counter-attacking display, lead by Higuaín, to stun 'Los Che'. The only negative was the shattering news that Pepe might have suffered knee ligament damage after falling awkwardly in the first half.
- David Villa got his goal but it was to no avail as Gonzalo Higuaín proved he is just as lethal in the area with two brilliantly taken goals. Benzema set up the first with a lovely chipped cross and had a busy night, always offering an outlet upfront and hounding the Valencia defence. All that's failing him right now is the final pass or shot, but that will come with time.
- Valencia fought back twice but seemed a little out of sorts in the second half after a lively opening. Mata and Pablo Hernandez couldnt quite get into the match, but that was probably down to solid defensive work from Arbeloa, Ramos and Lass. Iker Casillas had an absolute shocker with both Valencia goals, but Garay got him out of jail and sent Real Madrid 6 points clear of Unai Emerys team. Only two in it now? I fear so.
Barcelona 1 - 0 Espanyol
(1-0) 39' Ibrahimovic (p)
- The formbook was well and truly ripped up in this one as Espanyol gave as good as they got against their illustrious neighbours in a heated Catalan derby. Forlín and Parejo played blinders for the visitors as Iniesta and Xavi were squeezed out of the match, leaving Ibrahimovic to feed off scraps. The only thing Espanyol lacked was a presence upfront. They desparately need a goalscorer in January.
- Leo Messi was presented with his Ballon D'Or prior to kick off but he was sorely missed during the match. There had been a massive debate this week in Spain about who is most negatively affected: Barca without Messi or Real Madrid without Cristiano. Perhaps tonight gave a slight clue.
- Pep Guardiola has claimed that Baena had conceded that he did give away a penalty. I have my suspicions about that, as Xavi tripped himself up. Zlatan blanked out the controversy to smash in the pen. Has anyone noticed that all of his goals have come from first touches? Flicks, volleys, headers, pens and free-kicks. He is a sublime footballer.
Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Athletic Bilbao
(0-1) 60' San Jose, (0-2) 81' Susaeta, (1-2) 91' Diogo
- Real Zaragoza are in deep trouble, especially as news broke minutes after the match that coach Marcelino had been given the boot. It seems the Zaragoza directors havn't learned their lesson from 2007/2008 when they went through four coaches and got relegated. Marcelino had been working miracles with what he had at his disposal. The defence is a laughing stock.
- But that won't bother Joaquin Caparros and his men as they continue their solid start to the season with a fine away win. Iker Muniain came on in the 58th minute with the score locked at 0-0. 25 mins later it was 0-2 after two inch perfect assists from the little star. What a future he has ahead of him.
- So what now for Real Zaragoza? Ex-player Jose Aurelio Gay takes temporary charge as they search a replacement. Money has to be made available to the new manager in January, as Ayala and Pavon just don't cut it at this level. Neither does Arizmendi upfront, but with limited funds they might have to make do.
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