(0-1) 23' Cristiano Ronaldo, (0-2) 76' Higuain
Real Madrid did exactly what they had to. In and out of the Sardinero with three points in the kitty, allowing them to move into El Clasico level on points with Barcelona, with a one goal advantage. They also managed to achieve goal number 100 for the season, and edged closer to that 107 league goal mark set 20 years ago. Their deadly duo account for more than half of those goals, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain, who else, scored the two goals that were enough to see off a limited Racing Santander. Cristiano won and scored a penalty halfway through the first half, but they were made to sweat before making the win safe courtesy of a glorious throughball by Guti and a routine finish from Gonzalo Higuain. It was pretty but it didn't need to be. On form you would have to label Barcelona as favourites for next weeks clash of the titans. Although we all know form doesnt count for much in games like this. With Ronaldo and Higuain around Real Madrid will always have goals in them. It promises to be a belter. 6 days of press frenzy await.
Atletico Madrid 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 22' Juanito, (2-0) 56' Forlan, (3-0) 60' Thiago
What better way to prepare for Thursdays make or break clash against Valencia, than by sweeping aside a Depor side in terminal decline. Atletico Madrid didn't have to work hard for tonights victory, but they did just what was required to warm up for their Europa League quarter final this coming week. An early goal from recalled Juanito opened the scoring after a fine cross from Simao. Diego Forlan sentenced the match just after the break, in a peacemaking act with the Vicente Calderon, before Thiago rounded things off after a Reyes-esque run from a rejuvenated Tomas Ujfalusi. David De Gea underlined how important he'll be in their chase for silverware with some stunning saves as Atletico kept a welcome clean sheet. The defence has shored up, allowing the strikers to do their job. It's all coming together nicely for Quique Sanchez Flores.
Valencia 3 - 0 Osasuna
(1-0) 47' Joaquin, (2-0) 89' Villa, (3-0) 93' Villa (p)
Valencia have third place in La Liga all but wrapped up with a tight match in the Mestalla that was made to look more comfortable by two late strikes from 'El Guaje', David Villa. The only difference between the two sides was their accuracy infront of goal, with Joaquin putting Valencia on course to three points with a deft flick just after halftime. Villa added two strikes late on, one from the spot after he was brought down by Ricardo to take his tally to 28 in all competitions. Osasuna had their chances, but were left to rue misses from Camuñas and Aranda as their early season form has deserted them as the season comes to a close.
Sporting Gijon 2 - 2 Xerez
(1-0) 13' Rivera, (1-1) 52' Bermejo, (2-1) 56' De Las Cuevas, (2-2) 79' Alustiza
Xerez just refuse to lie down and with this point in El Molinon, continue to dream of survival. Nestor Gorosito would have targeted all three before kick-off, but after seeing how the match unfolded, a point was a bonus for a Xerez side that was outplayed by Sporting, and were gifted a route back into the match after a monumental error from Rivera, who had opened the scoring earlier on and was by far the matches star performer. Regardless if they stay up or not, Xerez have salvaged a huge amount of pride from a season that was spiralling out of control under former coach 'Cuco' Ziganda.
Real Valladolid 0 - 2 Villarreal
(0-1) 9' Angel, (2-0) 59' Nilmar
Desparate times for Real Valladolid. In previous years they have scrapped and fought to remain in the Primera Division. This year they are severely lacking in fight, belief and confidence and even have their own fans on their back. The situation at the Jose Zorilla is critical after another defeat at the hands of Villarreal who hit the hosts with two suckerpunches before and after the break. The first was a scorcher from Angel, with the second a pinpoint header from Nilmar, who could well be one to watch for next season as he continues to settle into life in La Liga. Valladolid were tormented all afternoon by a familiar face as Joseba Llorente ran rings around the home defence. How they miss his goals and guile. The match ended on a sour note with Medjunanin gesticulating to the crowd in response to incessant booing and jeering, spurred on by sightings of the players out on the town between matches.
Getafe 1 - 1 Espanyol
(1-0) 27' Manu, (1-1) 50' Osvaldo
Pedro Leon for Spain? The winger can hardly do more to stake a claim for a place in the squad and is surely a safer bet than Albert Riera. Game of two halves with Getafe controlling the first half and going in at the break 1-0 up through Manus strike, courtesy of yet another assist from Pedro Leon. Espanyol came out a different side in the second half and were unlucky not to go on and win the match after Osvaldos spectacular strike from the left corner of the box. The Argentine loan signing from Bologna has been a revelation in the second half of this season.
Almería 1 - 1 Mallorca
(1-0) 4' Uche, (1-1) 87' Webo
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