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.
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