Atlético Madrid 2 - 1 Barcelona(1-0) 9' Forlan, (2-0) 22' Simoa, (2-1) 26' Ibrahimovic
Real Madrid have shot straight back into the reckoning after their rivals from across the city, Atletico Madrid did them a huge favour by inflicting a frist league defeat of the season on a weakened Barcelona side in the Vicente Calderon. The Jeckyl and Hyde of La Liga put on a dazzling show of attacking football that had them 2-0 up within 22 minutes after Diego Forlans clinical finish from Reyes' through ball and Simaos peach of a free-kick. That man Perea did his best to ruin the party, letting Zlatan Ibrahimovic escape his grasp to knock in after Carlos Puyol had caused chaos in the Atletico box from a corner, but they more than held on as they had several opportunities to add to their lead. Barcelona had sent out an unfamiliar looking defence after their numerous injuries and it got worse after only two minutes when Seydou Keita went off injured. Neither Xavi, Iniesta or Messi looked anywhere near their best as Barca fell to a defeat that breathes new life into La Liga.
(1-0) 34' Luis Fabiano
Sevilla just about did enough to beat a limited Osasuna side and finish the weekend within the Champions League spots. It was hardly a classic, with Sevilla not offering their usual attacking penache and Osasuna not daring to overdo it in their search for an equaliser; a tactic that ultimately lead to their demise. Diego Capel responded well to being recalled to the starting line-up with a inch-perfect assist onto Luis Fabianos head. The Brazilian striker is guaranteed goals, and his strike today was as good a header as you'll see all season.
Real Valladolid 1 - 1 Real Zaragoza
(1-0) 22' Diego Costa, (1-1) 39' Humberto Suazo
A draw that doesn't do much for either team although Real Zaragoza will be the happier of the two teams, finishing the weekend two points above todays rivals. Diego Costa put Real Valladolid ahead, taking full advantage of another disastrous misunderstanding between the Zaragoza defence, with keeper Carrizo mostly at fault once again. Humberto Suazo drew Real Zaragoza level only 17 minutes later with a glorious chip, and although Ander Herrera got sent off for a stupid foul on Costa, the subject of many second-half fouls, 'Los Maños' held it together at the back to head back to Aragon with a priceless point.
Getafe 2 - 2 Almeria
(0-1) 46' Piatti, (1-1) 54' Casquero, (2-1) 70' Soldado, (2-2) 92' Soriano
Getafe let slip an excellent opportunity to edge closer to European spots after keeper Jordi Codina committed a shocker which allowed Soriano to salvage a well-earned draw for Almeria. Juanma Lillos side had even gone infront just after half time through Piatti, but Getafe responded with two goals through Casquero and one for Roberto Soldado on his 100th game in Spanish football. Almeria earn a vital point in their fight against the drop.
Racing Santander 0 - 3 Malaga
(0-1) 8' Weligton, (0-2) 34' Caicedo, (0-3) 66' Obinna
Espanyol 2 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 38' Verdu, (2-0) 59' Callejon
Twas a great game to be at ElGuiri.Why can't they play like that more often?2 weeks ago against Málaga they were awful yet they beat Barça and qualify for a cup final.That's Atleti I suppose.Dominguez and Reyes have been brilliant of late,long may it continue.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to add your bog to our list,would you do the same for us?
I bet it was! I had to make do with Radio Marca and then the highlights! ;) Dominguez and Reyes are both class acts, as are Forlan, Agüero and Simoa. Just need to sort out the middle of the park (although Assuncao can be useful) and replace Perea and Ujfalusi with some quality and you'll be laughing.
ReplyDeleteNo problem! Can't believe I havnt added your blog already, will do now.