Livin La Liga: La Liga Sunday: The Cristiano Ronaldo Show

22/02/2010

La Liga Sunday: The Cristiano Ronaldo Show

Real Madrid 6 - 2 Villarreal

(1-0) 18' Cristiano Ronaldo, (2-0) 20' Kaká (p), (2-1) 30' Senna, (3-1) 54' Higuaín, (3-2) 66' Nilmar, (4-2) 71' Higuaín, (5-2) 79' Kaká, (6-2) 87' Alonso (p)

Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly ripped Villarreal apart as he scored a free-kick and set up three more as Real Madrid kept up their 100% record at the Bernabeu. The Portuguese star was simply untouchable with a magical show of speed, trickery and pure power. His free-kick was almost as unstoppable as his barnstorming runs, and Villarreal had no answer. Gonzalo Higuaín and Kaká chipped in with two goals apiece, as Real Madrid served up some scintillating football to appease those fans who had been calling for Manuel Pelligrinis head after the defeat in Lyon. Though there will still be some who will be concerned with how Madrid kept letting Villarreal back in the match early on, although both goals from the Yellow Submarine were worthy of a game of such quality. Back to two points behind Barcelona, the battle for La Liga is hotting up nicely.

Almería 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid

(1-0) 86' Piatti

Right now, if Atlético Madrid don't score, you can say with almost 100% certainty that they'll lose. Whether it be Perea, Ujfalusi, Antonio Lopez or one of their two keepers, someone will commit a howler that costs Atlético dear. Today it was a catalogue of poor clearances that eventually led to Piatti slipping in the winning goal with only four minutes left. It was desparately harsh on Atlético who had created a number of chances, none more so than Tiago, who rattled the crossbar with a scorcher after 80 minutes. Jose Antonio Reyes continued his good run of form with another spritely performance, but with Diego Forlán still looking a shade of last seasons topscorer. Quique continues to start Sergio Agüero on the bench, which certainly doesnt help matters, but even so Atlético still has the artillery to trouble any team, as Barca found out last week. But credit to Almería and their Brazilian keeper Diego Alves, who frustrated Atletico all night long, and struck when it hurts most. Juanma Lillo has done a fantastic job since he replaced Hugo Sanchez, and their presence in La Liga next season is looking more assured with every passing week.

Real Zaragoza 1 - 3 Sporting Gijon
(0-1) 38' Bilic, (0-2) 63' Luis Moran, (1-2) 92' Arizmendi, (1-3) 93' Barral

Sporting Gijon got back to winning ways with a commanding 3-1 win over struggling Real Zaragoza, who find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone once more. Spurred on by yet another impressive away following (best set of fans in La Liga?), Sporting swarmed over a disorganised home side, Mate Bilic taking advantage of some hesitant defending to put Sporting one-up and Luis Moran firing across Carrizo for the second. Arizmendi managed to get Zaragoza on the scoresheet, after an impressive dribble and cross from substitute Jermaine Pennant, but even that was a false dawn as Sporting raged forward to score a classic counter-attacking goal with the last move of the match, Barral applying the finishing touch. Real Zaragoza cannot afford many more slip-ups like this at home, as we all know what they are like on their travels. Sporting will be delighted with this victory after their recent run of form, and the three points ease any worries over a relegation scrap.

Athletic Bilbao 4 - 1 Tenerife

(1-0) 17' Llorente, (2-0) 22' Toquero, (3-0) 51' Iraola, (3-1) 59' Alfaro, (4-1) 63' Gabilondo

Only one team in this on as Athletic Bilbao destroyed lowly Tenerife to plant themselves one point behing Mallorca who occupy the final UEFA spot. Fernando Llorente put them on their way early doors, converting a penalty won by Toqeuro which saw defender Culebras harshly sent off. Gaizka Toquero killed the game as a contest after only 22 minutes with a wonderfully executed goal, as he was put through one-on-one after some route one football from Athletic. Iraola and Gabilondo got the thrid and fourth goals and were it not for a solid performance from goalie Sergio Aragoneses, it could so easily have been a rout. Tenerife appear to be joining Xerez in a one-way slide into La Segunda, whilst Athletic Bilbao begin to mount a serious assault on the European positions.