Latest La Liga News

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RONALDO PLAYS DOWN MESSI TALK

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has played down talk of Monday's El Clasico being merely a duel being him and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.

The duo are widely regarded as the best players on the planet at present and both go into the Nou Camp showdown in phenomenal form.

Ronaldo, 25, has struck 17 times in his last 12 competitive outings for Madrid, while he has netted 51 goals in just 54 appearances for the Spanish giants overall since his record-breaking £80million move from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

Messi, 23, is proving equally as unstoppable and has 16 goals in his last 11 appearances for the Catalan giants - during which streak he has netted his sixth hat-trick of 2010 for the club and his 150th official goal for Barca.

The duo are also the leading two scorers in La Liga, with Ronaldo having netted 14 goals compared to 13 from Messi.

It is a mouthwatering prospect to see the two superstars go head-to-head in what is one of the most eagerly-awaited Clasicos in recent times, but Ronaldo insists the focus should not solely be on the of them.

When asked his thoughts on the subject, Ronaldo described it as: "silly talk"

"It's part of the news, of the press, to sell newspapers. It's normal, but I don't see the game as a duel between us. We are playing 11 against 11, we have to be concerned about everyone," the Portugal international said.

"Of course anyone who scores goals is dangerous, but we have to think about everyone."

Regarding his own role in the Madrid side, Ronaldo said: "I'm one more player in this team. Things are going well, as much for me as the team, but I don't considered myself to be under more pressure than others.

"We all have responsibilities. I always want more, that's the way I am, but my team-mates have the same objectives, they all want to do their best, like me."

The match pits the leading two teams in La Liga against each other, with pacesetters Madrid holding a one-point advantage over Barca, who in turn are seven points clear of third-placed Villarreal as the battle for the Primera Division title already looks to be another two-horse race.

Last season there was a 25-point gap between the two Spanish superpowers and Valencia in third come the end of the campaign, with Barca finishing three points clear of Madrid after winning both meetings with the capital club.

With that in mind, it could be that the two encounters this season will again be crucial.

Ronaldo said: "That could be the case, or it might not be, it's unknown. We will play to win, it's a very important game, we want to win. Will it be decisive? We'll see what happens during the season.

"I hope it's a completely different story (this season). We haven't lost this season, and this is important because it gives you confidence, but neither can we be relaxed because we know it will be difficult.

"I'm confident because the team are in good form, the coach (Jose Mourinho) has given us confidence, and we hope to get a good result."



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PUYOL DISMISSES MOURINHO MOTIVATION

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol insists his side do not need the Jose Mourinho factor to provide an added incentive for wanting to beat arch rivals Real Madrid on Monday night.

Mourinho was once on the coaching staff at Barca but the Portuguese is expecting a hostile reception at the Nou Camp after becoming, in his words, a "persona non grata" for the home faithful.

Mourinho crossed swords with the Catalan club while in charge of Chelsea, but it was last season when he really upset the Barca supporters whilst denying them the chance to go to the Champions League final at the Bernabeu - home of Real Madrid.

He was in charge of the Inter Milan side who, having won the first leg of their semi-final 3-1 at the San Siro, dumped out reigning European champions Barca after a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 defeat at the Nou Camp when the Italians played for over an hour with a man fewer.

Now Mourinho is in charge of Barca's sworn enemies Madrid, and he has enjoyed a hugely impressive start to life in the hotseat with 15 wins and four draws from his opening 19 competitive matches in charge.

That has left them top of the Primera Division standings - one point clear of Barca - and through to the last 16 of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Putting one over Mourinho would no doubt please many Barca supporters, some of whom disparagingly refer to the Portuguese as 'the translator' having held that role alongside Bobby Robson at the Nou Camp in the 1990s, but for Puyol his side do not need any more reasons for wanting to down Madrid.

"We don't need any extra motivation. Beating Madrid is always important, these are games that you want to play, against our biggest rivals, we don't need anything more," he said.

"It's not (a match) with Mourinho, it's against Madrid. We aren't playing against Mourinho, it's a special game against a team with great players and a great coach, but it's Barca-Madrid."

When asked if he thought Mourinho would employ a similar system to the one he used with Inter at the Nou Camp earlier this year, Puyol was quoted as saying in AS: "A league game is always different to a knock-out tie. I don't know how they'll play, but I know how we'll play.

"The style is not going to change, we are prepared for anything. We are up against a good team, with great players who if they have space are difficult to control.

"They (Madrid) are a team who are very strong defensively, who get back very well and on the counter they have very fast players who can make the difference. They are a very complete team."

Regarding his side, Spain international Puyol, who has played in 22 Clasicos against Madrid, said: "We are in a good moment, with confidence and few injuries. It will be a good game."




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VILLARREAL SPOIL AGUIRRE PARTY

Villarreal consolidated third place in the Primera Division thanks to a fine 3-0 win at Zaragoza as Javier Aguirre's home debut as coach of the Aragonese side ended in disappointment.

Early goals from Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla set the visitors on their way before Nilmar sealed a fine win with the third after 65 minutes.

That came a minute after Zaragoza defender Matteo Contini was sent off and sealed the home side's fate.

In truth, though, Villarreal's win had rarely looked in doubt.

Zaragoza had started brightly enough, but found themselves behind after eight minutes, when Senna let fly from outside the box and beat Leo Franco with a powerful effort.

That goal knocked the wind out of Aguirre's side and less than 10 minutes later, they were two down.

This time, however, Franco should have done better as he let Cazorla's tame long-range cross-shot slip past him.

Cazorla and Cani both came close to a third before the interval, and although Zaragoza came out strongly in the second half and nearly got back into the game through Angel Lafita, Braulio and Nicolas Bertolo, it was not to be for the home side.

Contini was shown a second yellow card after 64 minutes and moments later, Villarreal clinched it as Nilmar latched on to Cazorla's clever pass and clipped a fine finish over Franco.

It was a miserable home debut for new Zaragoza coach Aguirre, who had stressed the importance of winning at La Romareda in the build-up to this game.

His side stay bottom, with eight points, while Villarreal moved closer to the big two.

Coach Juan Carlos Garrido, who has agreed to stay at the club for three more years, saw his team move to within five points of leaders Real Madrid and four of Barcelona, with Spain's two biggest sides set to face each other at the Nou Camp in Monday's Clasico.




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ESPANYOL ARE FLYING HIGH

Pablo Osvaldo struck the winner as Espanyol strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Primera Division with victory at Atletico Madrid.

The visitors twice surrendered the lead but still kept pressing and Osvaldo's goal in the 78th minute put them two points behind Villarreal.

Luis Garcia put the Catalans ahead with a 22nd minute penalty only for Tiago to bundle in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Sergio Aguero brought the hosts level again after Joan Verdu had restored Espanyol's lead, but they could not keep the visitors out and frustrations boiled over in the closing stages as boss Quique Sanchez Flores appeared to be sent to the stands for trying to drag Javi Marquez to his feet after he had been fouled.

Much of Espanyol's success so far has come at home but on their travels the Catalan outfit have been much less convincing, picking up just four points and one goal in six games.

Atletico also boast a good home record with four wins and they climbed to sixth with victory at Real Sociedad last week.

They almost got off to the best possible start. A long-range shot by Diego Forlan was fumbled by Carlos Kameni before Tomas Ujfalusi drew a parry from the keeper.

However, Osvaldo should have given Espanyol the lead when he got ahead of Luis Perea but the striker chose to try and place his header into the near post rather than going across the keeper and the ball went well wide.

The visitors were soon ahead courtesy of a hotly-disputed penalty as Jose Antonio Reyes was penalised for handball when he put both his arms in front of his chest to repel Jose Maria Callejon's free-kick.

The former Arsenal player was booked and Luis Garcia made no mistake with his spot-kick, hitting an unstoppable penalty into the roof of the net.

The hosts hit back and Kameni had to get down smartly to stop Simao's shot from creeping in and the same player should have equalised 10 minutes before the break.

Reyes pulled the ball across the face of the goal from the right with Kameni clawing it away only for Simao to pounce but he blazed wide when faced with an open goal.

The hosts continued to press and in first-half injury time they drew level through Tiago despite Kameni's best efforts.

Reyes took a corner from the right which Tiago headed goalwards to be blocked by Kameni's chest, Diego Godin pounced and shot but the keeper parried the shot only for the former to slam the ball home high into the net.

Both sides came out attacking in the second half with Simao a constant threat for Atletico and he almost put them ahead when he was played in by Reyes only for Kameni to block his close-range shot with his legs.

Espanyol regained the lead against the run of play in the 54th minute through Verdu.

Osvaldo did most of the work, shoulder-barging Perea as both chased the ball before turning and tucking inside and releasing a shot David De Gea could not hold on to and Verdu came in quicker than anyone else to slot the ball home.

There were loud appeals for a penalty from the hosts when Aguero went down in the area but a goal kick was awarded.

De Gea saved with his legs from Verdu but it was Atletico who scored the next goal as Aguero slotted home from Diego Forlan's incisive through ball with 25 minutes left.

But Espanyol took the lead for the third time in the 78th minute when Osvaldo volleyed in from Luis Garcia's right-wing cross.

Aguero should have equalised but shot tamely into the side netting when through on goal.

And Atletico boss Sanchez Flores lost his cool in stoppage time when he tried to pull Javi Marquez to his feet after the Espanyol man had gone down under a hefty challenge from Godin. Sanchez Flores appeared to watch the closing moments of his side's defeat from the stands.




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GETAFE FIGHTBACK STUNS SEVILLA

Getafe staged a superb second-half fightback against Sevilla to pick up a much-needed 3-1 victory and ease some of the pressure on coach Michel.

Getafe came into the match having won just once in 10 competitive outings and it looked like being another night of disappointment as they fell behind in the 30th minute when Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute slotted home after a defensive mistake.

However, the visitors turned things around in style in the second half, scoring three times in a brilliant 20-minute spell through Manu Del Moral, Miku and Pedro Rios to record their fifth league victory of the campaign and provisionally climb back into the top 10.

For Sevilla, it was a second successive home loss following last weekend's 2-1 defeat to coach Gregorio Manzano's former side Real Mallorca and means they once again missed the chance to climb up to fourth spot.

The Andalusian side, who had still won nine of their opening 12 matches under Manzano despite their setback against Mallorca, were fortunate not to be behind after just two minutes tonight when Manu rounded goalkeeper Andres Palop, but the Getafe captain could only find the side-netting from a tight angle.

Sevilla finally got into their stride and Ndri Romaric brought a good one-handed save out of Getafe custodian Jordi Codina in the 20th minute before the hosts took the lead through Kanoute.

Romaric did well to get a cross in from the goalline and, after Getafe defender Ivan Marcano had made a mess of trying to volley the ball clear, the unmarked Kanoute sidefooted in from close range.

Sevilla still held that advantage heading into the second half, but they soon found themselves facing a Getafe onslaught.

Palop denied Manu in the 52nd minute before Miku thumped a shot against the Sevilla crossbar two minutes later after latching onto Jaime Gavilan's cross.

Not long after that Getafe won a penalty when Marcano's far-post header struck the arm of Abdoulay Konko.

Konko, whose head was turned the other way as the ball hit him, protested the decision but it made no difference and Manu drew Getafe level from the spot - although Palop came agonisingly close to saving his effort.

Three minutes later buoyant Getafe were celebrating the lead when Miku brought down a deep cross at the far post before lashing an unstoppable left-footed shot past Palop.

Sevilla briefly threatened at the other end when Diego Perotti was denied by Codina and Martin Caceres headed a good chance wide, but Getafe ensured the points would be heading back up to the capital with them when Rios netted in the 77th minute.

The home side failed to clear the danger and Rios latched on to the loose ball to thump a blistering effort into the roof of the net to complete the scoring.




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PIQUE CLAIMS FAVOURITES' TAG

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists his side are favourites to win Monday night's 'Clasico' against fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Pique is now in his third year at Barca and in that time, the Catalans have beaten Madrid in all four meetings.

The Spain defender has featured in three of those and scored in his side's famous 6-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu two seasons ago.

Madrid are a much improved outfit this term and remain unbeaten under Jose Mourinho, who took over from former coach Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.

After 12 rounds of Primera Division matches, Madrid lead Barca by a single point, but the Catalans are at home on Monday night and Pique believes they will have the edge at the Nou Camp.

"A 'Clasico' is so even that playing at home always makes the home side more of a favourite - and that's us this time," he said at an event organised by Nike.

"Nobody can predict what will happen in these type of games," he added.

"But we are in good shape."

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho makes a controversial return to the Nou Camp - where he was an assistant to Bobby Robson and later Louis van Gaal - for the first time as boss of Barca's-arch enemies.

The Portuguese has become something of a hate figure at Barca in recent years, having continually provoked the Catalan fans and staff in the media.

Mourinho famously led Inter Milan to a 3-2 aggregate win over Guardiola's side in the Champions League semi-finals last season, denying Barca a place in the showpiece at the Santiago Bernabeu, a date he claimed the Catalans had become obsessed with.

But Pique played down the importance of Mourinho's return and hopes there will be no repeat of the ugly scenes which greeted Luis Figo following his controversial switch from Barca to Madrid in 2000, when the former Portugal winger was targeted by the Catalan fans and had a pig's head thrown at him while he was taking a corner.

"Nobody liked the image of the pig's head at the Nou Camp," he said.

"I hope nothing like that happens in Monday's 'Clasico'.

"We can't control what people think about him (Mourinho), but we shouldn't give him more protagonism than he already has - which is already a lot."

Pique will also hope to keep another Portuguese quiet as he comes up against in-form Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We will try not to let him think or give him any space. We want to try to make sure he has a quiet day," he said.

Ronaldo, a former team-mate of Pique at Manchester United, ended up on the losing side in both 'Clasicos' last season and has never scored a goal against Barca.

The winger hopes that statistic will change tomorrow, but says a Madrid win is more important.

"I want to score against everyone, not just Barca," he said.

"Is it special? Yes, it would be, but whether I score or not is not important, only that the team wins - I'm not obsessed with scoring goals."

Ronaldo believes Madrid are in good shape ahead of tomorrow's game.

"We haven't lost this season, and this is important because it gives you confidence, but neither can we be relaxed because we know it will be difficult," he said.

"I'm confident because the team are in good form, the coach has given us confidence and we hope to get a good result."

Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira are expected to return for Madrid after missing the club's 4-0 Champions League win at Ajax on Wednesday, but Kaka and Fernando Gago remain sidelined.

Barca defender Gabi Milito is still injured and will play no part, but Guardiola has an otherwise full-strength squad available.



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[sky star 2]

YELLOW SUBMARINE SINK ZARAGOZA

Villarreal consolidated third place in the Primera Division thanks to a fine 3-0 win at Zaragoza as Javier Aguirre's home debut as coach of the Aragonese side ended in disappointment.

Early goals from Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla set the visitors on their way before Nilmar sealed a fine win with the third after 65 minutes.

That came a minute after Zaragoza defender Matteo Contini was sent off and sealed the home side's fate.

Getafe staged a superb second-half fightback against Sevilla to pick up a much-needed 3-1 victory and ease some of the pressure on coach Michel.

Getafe came into the match having won just once in 10 competitive outings and it looked like being another night of disappointment as they fell behind in the 30th minute when Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute slotted home after a defensive mistake.

However, the visitors turned things around in style in the second half, scoring three times in a brilliant 20-minute spell through Manu Del Moral, Miku and Pedro Rios to record their fifth league victory of the campaign.

Pablo Osvaldo struck the winner as Espanyol strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Primera Division with victory at Atletico Madrid.

The visitors twice surrendered the lead but still kept pressing and Osvaldo's goal in the 78th minute put them two points behind Villarreal.

Luis Garcia put the Catalans ahead with a 22nd minute penalty only for Tiago to bundle in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Sergio Aguero brought the hosts level again after Joan Verdu had restored Espanyol's lead, but they could not keep the visitors out and frustrations boiled over in the closing stages as boss Quique Sanchez Flores appeared to be sent to the stands for trying to drag Javi Marquez to his feet after he had been fouled.




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[sky star 2]

MOURINHO: CLASICO IMPORTANT BUT NOT DECISIVE

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho preferred not to get swept away by the hype surrounding their showdown with Barcelona, pointing out that, while important, there is still a long way to go in the season after Monday's clash at the Nou Camp.

Madrid have enjoyed a fantastic start to life under Mourinho, with 15 victories and four draws from 19 competitive matches leaving the club top of the Primera Division standings and through to the last 16 of the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

However, they face their biggest test so far under the Portuguese as they take on Barcelona - who are just a point behind the pacesetters in La Liga - in the first El Clasico of the season.

The encounter is one of the most eagerly-anticipated meeting between the two in recent times with both clubs in stunning form and rival superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of their games, but Mourinho was keen to add a little perspective to proceedings.

"Every game is important. Every point that you lose could be key at the end. But after tomorrow's game there will be 25 matches left and there are a lot of points in play and so many factors," he said.

Last season the two encounters between the bitter rivals played a crucial role in deciding where the Primera Division title ended up, with Barca doing the double over Madrid as they finished three points clear of the capital club at the top of the table,

"It's an important game but not decisive. If we win, the following morning will be Tuesday, and if we lose, it will also be Tuesday," added Mourinho, who nevertheless believes tomorrow's mouthwatering contest could live up to expectations.

"The world is waiting for this game and we have the responsibility to give the world the game that expect," he said.

"These are two teams who could be the best, with top players and everything is in place for it to be a great game.

"I hope that the players help the referee and that it's a game where they only talk of the football and nice things."

Whatever happens at the Nou Camp though, Mourinho hopes his side can continue afterwards as they have been doing so successfully up to this point.

He said: "I hope that if my team loses, it won't change either their confidence of self-esteem, and if they win they will continue with their feet on the ground. I will continue to be calm after the game whatever the result.

"We need to be aware that the season is played over 10 months at a very high level. I'm sure we will continue with calm, regardless of the result."

With regards to who should be considered favourites for the match, Mourinho said: "Many times in Clasicos and derbies it isn't the best team or the one ahead in the table who wins; these matches provide a different motivation, we can have 10 points more or 10 less, but in these games it's very difficult to say who is better and who is favourite."

Mourinho has named a strong 20-man squad for the trip to the Nou Camp with Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira included after recovering from their knocks.



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VALDEZ AT THE DOUBLE FOR HERCULES

Nelson Haedo Valdez scored twice as Hercules beat fellow promoted side Levante 3-1 in the Primera Division to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Paraguay forward gave Hercules the lead six minutes before the interval with a close-range finish after Levante keeper Manuel Reina had parried Olivier Thomert's header.

The visitors hit back straight away at the other end through Ruben after good work from Xisco Nadal to leave the scores level at the break.

But Hercules were far the better side following the restart and went back in front after 62 minutes, when Reina spilled Tiago Gomes' effort and the ball fell to David Trezeguet for a simple finish.

And five minutes later it was all over as a contest when Valdez scored the third for the Alicante-based outfit.

Noe Pamarot brought the ball out of defence and fed Tote, whose cross found Valdez at the far post and the South American stooped low to send a neat header past Reina and put the home side out of reach.

Hercules were without wing-back Royston Drenthe, who was left out by coach Esteban Vigo to recover fully from an oesophagus ulcer.

They were the better team virtually throughout and comfortably survived a late Levante fightback to win all three points in the regional derby and move five clear of the drop zone.

Levante, meanwhile, are now just one point above the relegation zone and have now lost five of their last six matches.




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NO DREAM START FOR OLTRA

Two goals from Roberto Soldado earned Valencia a hard-fought 2-1 win as lowly Almeria failed to give new coach Jose Luis Oltra a dream start to his time in charge.

Soldado scored in either half before Leonardo Ulloa headed home a late consolation for an Almeria side who showed a great deal of spirit in the wake of their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona last week.

That result cost coach Juan Manuel Lillo his job, and although his replacement Oltra was unable to provide the winning touch, he can at least take positives from the defeat.

Pierre Webo was again on the mark to help Real Mallorca take the spoils in a 2-0 win against struggling Malaga at the Iberostar stadium.

Webo took his tally to four goals in the last five league games when he put Mallorca ahead in the 50th minute before Gonzalo Castro doubled the home side's lead five minutes later to seal the points for Michael Laudrup's men.

Mallorca climb into the top six with the victory while Malaga, who have now suffered successive defeats under new coach Manuel Pellegrini having won their first two outings under the former Real Madrid boss, remain stuck in the relegation zone after suffering their ninth defeat in 13 league games.

To add to Malaga's wounds they also missed a last-minute penalty, Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate saving Eliseu Pereira's effort.

Real Sociedad scored in stoppage time at the end of both halves to claim a 3-1 comeback win in a feisty Primera Division game at Sporting Gijon.

Gregory put the hosts ahead after three minutes, but Xabi Prieto levelled and David Zurutuza struck moments before half-time.

After the break, the bookings stacked up - there were 11 in all, including seven for the hosts - but the only other goal went to Sociedad as Mikel Aranburu added a third in the 93rd minute.

Carlos Gurpegi struck with virtually the last touch of the match to earn Athletic Bilbao derby honours against Osasuna after a narrow 1-0 success.

The clash between the two northern rivals looked destined to finish in stalemate as the game entered stoppage-time still goalless, but Athletic captain Gurpegi had other ideas.

He charged in at at the near post to glance in David Lopez's left-wing corner before wheeling away in delight, ripping off his shirt and celebrating with his team-mates and the ecstatic home fans.

There was barely time after that for Osasuna to restart the match before the referee blew for full-time, allowing Athletic to climb up to 10th in the standings with their sixth victory of the campaign.

Nelson Haedo Valdez scored twice as Hercules beat fellow promoted side Levante 3-1 in the Primera Division to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Paraguay forward gave Hercules the lead six minutes before the interval with a close-range finish after Levante keeper Manuel Reina had parried Olivier Thomert's header.

The visitors hit back straightaway at the other end through Ruben after good work from Xisco Nadal to leave the scores level at the break.

But Hercules were far the better side following the restart and went back in front after 62 minutes, when Reina spilled Tiago Gomes' effort and the ball fell to David Trezeguet for a simple finish.

And five minutes later it was all over as a contest when Valdez scored the third for the Alicante-based outfit.

Noe Pamarot brought the ball out of defence and fed Tote, whose cross found Valdez at the far post and the South American stooped low to send a neat header past Reina and put the home side out of reach.

Markus Rosenberg struck the only goal of the game as Racing Santander dented Deportivo La Coruna's impressive recent revival with their first home league win over the Galician side in 14 years.

Rosenberg netted what would turn out to be the winning goal in the 61st minute at El Sardinero, although he spurned the chance to make it a more comfortable finale for Racing when he missed an 86th-minute penalty.

That failure was not to prove costly, though, as Racing safely held on to record a much-needed victory having lost five of their previous eight league games.

Villarreal consolidated third place in the Primera Division thanks to a fine 3-0 win at Zaragoza as Javier Aguirre's home debut as coach of the Aragonese side ended in disappointment.

Early goals from Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla set the visitors on their way before Nilmar sealed a fine win with the third after 65 minutes.

That came a minute after Zaragoza defender Matteo Contini was sent off and sealed the home side's fate.

Getafe staged a superb second-half fightback against Sevilla to pick up a much-needed 3-1 victory and ease some of the pressure on coach Michel.

Getafe came into the match having won just once in 10 competitive outings and it looked like being another night of disappointment as they fell behind in the 30th minute when Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute slotted home after a defensive mistake.

However, the visitors turned things around in style in the second half, scoring three times in a brilliant 20-minute spell through Manu Del Moral, Miku and Pedro Rios to record their fifth league victory of the campaign.

Pablo Osvaldo struck the winner as Espanyol strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Primera Division with victory at Atletico Madrid.

The visitors twice surrendered the lead but still kept pressing and Osvaldo's goal in the 78th minute put them two points behind Villarreal.

Luis Garcia put the Catalans ahead with a 22nd minute penalty only for Tiago to bundle in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Sergio Aguero brought the hosts level again after Joan Verdu had restored Espanyol's lead, but they could not keep the visitors out and frustrations boiled over in the closing stages as boss Quique Sanchez Flores appeared to be sent to the stands for trying to drag Javi Marquez to his feet after he had been fouled.





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[2010dz]

Matchpack: Racing Santander v Real Madrid
Pape Diop is available once again for Racing after completing a one-match suspension during the heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid at the weekend. Marc Torrejon is also pushing for inclusion in defence. It remains to be seen if the experienced Pedro Munitis is available after spraining his ankle, while Gonzalo Colsa and Kennedy Bakircioglu are also suffering from fitness problems.

Jose Mourinho could recall Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil for the trip to Santander, having rested the pair for the 1-0 away defeat to Levante. But he will be without defender Pepe and summer signing Fabio Coentrao, both of whom have picked up hamstring injuries. Their absences could open the door for Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa or Raphael Varane. Sami Khedira is also missing through suspension.

 

[2010dz]

Matchpack: Valencia v Barcelona
Match facts, quotes and team news ahead of Wednesday night's Liga game between Valencia and Barcelona at the Mestalla.
In-form striker Roberto Soldado, who has scored five of his team's six goals so far this season, will lead the line for table-topping Valencia despite suffering an ankle knock in Saturday's win over Sporting Gijon. Unai Emery is unlikely to make any changes after winning all three games in La Liga.

Gerard Pique may be available after the Spain centre-back returned to full training on Monday following a calf injury. Midfielder Andres Iniesta and forward Alexis Sanchez, who have muscle tears, trained apart from the rest of the squad and are not expected back for several weeks.

 

[2010dz]

Matchpack: Real Betis v Real Zaragoza
Match facts, quotes and team news ahead of Thursday night's Liga game between Real Betis and Real Zaragoza at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Betis team news to follow.

Zaragoza's Portuguese striker Helder Postiga has been passed fit to play, despite suffering a bruised back in the weekend's 2-1 win over Espanyol. But compatriot Fernando Meira seems likely to miss out with a leg injury, which forced him off in the same game

 

[2010dz]

Laudrup 'resigns as Mallorca coach'

Laudrup, who took charge of the Balearic Islands club at the end of the 2009-10 season, had expressed frustration with the recent transfer policy, which he felt left him short of forwards.

The club announced on Monday that they had sacked Laudrup's number two Erik Larsen for criticising the board's policies in the Danish media.

"One of the important things in football is the climate in which you work," the 47-year-old Laudrup, a former Barcelona and Real Madrid player, was quoted as saying in local media on Tuesday.

"You can lose or win but you have to enjoy yourself."

Club officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Laudrup also had stints coaching Mallorca's Liga rivals Getafe and Russian club Spartak Moscow.
Reuters

 

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Spain - 8:37 PM

Barcelona's Adriano set to miss three weeks
The Brazilian was forced off shortly before half-time after putting his side ahead early on, and the club have now confirmed he has suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh

 

[bouja]

Player Ratings - 8:09 PM
Player Ratings: Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo
Goal.com was on hand to cast a critical eye over events at Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana continued their unbeaten start to the season

 

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Sunday, November 4, 2012


Alberto Rivera issues warning to Spain's next generation
The Elche midfielder has spoken of his experiences at the Santiago Bernabeu and admits many players will struggle to handle the pressure of making it at the top

Heldt: Afellay could stay at Schalke
The Netherlands international is enjoying a season-long loan deal in Gelsenkirchen and may even remain in Germany beyond the current campaign

Butragueno: Real Madrid cannot fail against Borussia Dortmund
The former striker believes that Tuesday's Champions League clash will go a long way to deciding how far Los Blancos can progress in this season's competition

I am not friends with Messi, says Ronaldo
The 27-year-old has distanced himself from the Barcelona forward, saying the two Liga stars are nothing more than congenial with one another

Falcao posts head injury on Twitter after collision with Soldado
The Atletico Madrid striker suffered bleeding after being involved in an incident with his opposite number at Valencia, but assured fans that the damage was not too severe

Vilanova: Barcelona haven't won anything yet
The Blaugrana boss played down the significance of his side's best-ever start to a Liga campaign following their defeat of the Galicians on Saturday

Luis Figo at 40 - a look back at football's most treacherous transfer
Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Richard Fitzpatrick's new book, El Clasico: Barcelona v Real Madrid, Football's Greatest Rivalry. This one remembers a polemic move

Valencia must show same spirit away from home, says Soldado after Atletico Madrid victory
The striker praised his side's performance, as they ended the Rojiblancos unbeaten start to the season at Mestalla, and now wants to see an improvement in their form on the road

Mourinho insists Real Madrid 'can & must' play better following Zaragoza victory
The Portuguese trainer made no bones about his opinion on the Blancos' display against the Aragon-based side and is now expecting a significant improvement from his players

Real Madrid were tired against Zaragoza, admits Arbeloa
The full-back concedes his side did not hit their stride despite a comfortable win over the Blanquillos, while also giving his take on the club's lack of youth talent

Messi suffers scare in Barcelona's best-ever start as Mourinho makes it 100 wins for Real Madrid
The Argentine was unable to dedicate a goal to his new-born son and suffered a knee injury which left Camp Nou cold as Barca beat Celta. Later, the Blancos thrashed Zaragoza

Netzer: Mourinho is a great coach
The German great spoke positively of the Real Madrid trainer, claiming that the Portuguese stands for success following his recent trophy haul across Europe

Player Ratings: Valencia 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Goal.com rates the players as Los Che end the unbeaten run of the visitors at the Mestalla

 

[bouja]

Monday, November 5, 2012

3:28 PM
Ronaldo: I would vote for myself to win the Ballon d'Or
The Portuguese is one of the leading candidates for the prize, along with 22 other nominees, though he believes there is a very simple choice to be made
2:13 PM
Real Madrid will be gunning for revenge, says Hummels
The Germany international is looking forward to Tuesday's game in the Spanish capital, while Marcel Schmelzer has stressed Borussia Dortmund will not roll over
1:00 PM
World Player of the Week: Diego Milito - Inter
12:30 PM
Khedira: I hope Real Madrid & Borussia Dortmund progress
The Germany international midfielder would prefer to see his compatriots make it to the next round rather than either Ajax or Manchester City
12:00 PM
Nigerians Abroad: Victor Moses scores second goal for Chelsea, first in the league
There were few goals by Nigerians in Europe this week as the season enters the winter stages
11:15 AM
Liverpool starlet Suso aiming to be Anfield legend
The young Spanish midfielder has recalled the shock of making his Premier League debut against Manchester United and declares that he wants to emulate Gerrard and Carragher
11:00 AM
Getafe - Real Betis Betting Preview: Why a game of few goals looks likely on Monday night
After two winners over the weekend, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is looking for a hat-trick and believes Monday's game will see less than three goals scored
10:15 AM
Emanuelson: AC Milan must beat Malaga
The Netherlands international has underlined the importance of Tuesday's encounter, and was pleased with the Rossoneri's showing in the win over Chievo
10:00 AM
AC Milan - Malaga Preview: Andalusians aim to secure progression with back-to-back wins over Rossoneri
The Liga outfit have picked up maximum points so far without conceding a goal, but fresh off the back of an emphatic weekend win, Massimiliano Allegri's men will want revenge
10:00 AM
Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund Preview: Klopp's charges set sights on historic Bernabeu win
The Bundesliga giants will go in search of a first Champions League away victory in nine years when they visit the Spanish capital to take on Los Merengues
9:55 AM
Kehl to wear protective mask against Madrid
The experienced midfielder remains doubtful for Tuesday's encounter due to a facial injury, but could take to the pitch after all wearing a protective mask
9:00 AM
Villa: I am almost ready to play 90 minutes
The Spain international is slowly nearing top form again after a lengthy injury lay-off, and is pleased with the way he has been performing so far this term
2:00 AM
Alberto Toril: What Mourinho says is respectable, but my team is not old
The Castilla coach has defended his selection policies following comments from the Portuguese concerning playing time afforded to the likes of youngster Jose Rodriguez
12:30 AM
La Liga Round 10 Results: Atletico lose their first La Liga game of the season and Malaga are defeated at home
Goals from Roberto Soldado and Nelson Valdez inflicted the first loss of the season on Diego Simeone's men, while Manuel Pellegrini's side suffer a loss at La Rosaleda

 

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

12:55 AM
Bartra: Messi argument was blown out of proportion
The Spain Under-21 defender says that reports of an dispute between himself and the European Golden Boot winner were exaggerated, and that the matter has been resolved

 

[bouja]

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

1:55 PM
Alonso: Gerrard good enough for Spain team
The Real Madrid man played alongside the England captain during a five-year spell at Liverpool and praises the 32-year-old's influence on his own career as well as his ability
1:35 PM
Ozil: Real Madrid are back on track
The Germany international has stated that los Blancos have left their early struggles behind, and is confident Madrid can beat Borussia Dortmund
12:35 PM
Borussia Dortmund have a good chance against Real Madrid, says Hitzfeld
The 63-year-old is optimistic about Jurgen Klopp's chances ahead of Tuesday's away game against the Primera Division champions in the Spanish capital
12:15 PM
AC Milan - Malaga Betting Preview: Back the home side to record a much needed win
Phil Kitromilides believes the recent signs of improvement in the hosts will see them record a victory this evening against the Spanish side, who slipped to defeat at the weekend
12:00 PM
Messi wins awards, but Xavi is Barcelona's soul, says Larsson
The former Celtic star has hailed the importance of the influential midfielder, and feels the Catalans are vulnerable in defence at the moment due to injuries
11:45 AM
Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund Betting Preview: Why at least one half will end in a draw this evening
Having picked a winner in los Blancos' game at the weekend, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is backing the two teams to match one another in either period
11:20 AM
Pellegrini: Malaga want victory against AC Milan
The Boquerones have set their sights on the full three points when they take on the Serie A powerhouse at the Giuseppe Meazza as they target qualification to the last 16
11:15 AM
Xabi Alonso reveals Mourinho's new assistant: his son!
The Real Madrid midfielder caused a stir on Twitter as he tweeted a possible recommendation for a mystery person with no clue as to the identity. It turned out to be his young boy
10:50 AM
Gotze: I would vote Messi for the Ballon d'Or
The Germany forward feels the Barcelona hitman deserves to win the individual award, and is eagerly anticipating the Champions League game versus Real Madrid
10:40 AM
Is Jackson Martinez the next Falcao?
The Colombian sharpshooter is already attracting interest from the Continent's biggest clubs after an impressive start in Portugal, and comparisons are being made to the Liga star
10:24 AM
Free in-play bet of up £50 when you bet on the next round of Champions League matches
With 16 games being played involving Europe's biggest clubs, there is a great free bet offer for anyone placing a pre-match bet on any of next week's Champions League action
10:15 AM
'Shades of Hierro & Blanc' - Real Madrid teenager Raphael Varane is set for superstardom
The 19-year-old's recent performances have led to suggestions that Los Merengues have a player capable of becoming a mainstay in the centre of their defence for years to come
10:00 AM
Valencia - BATE Borisov Preview: Los Che target vital home victory
The Primera Division side recorded a comfortable win in Minsk two weeks ago, and will be desperate to add three more points to their tally on Wednesday
9:40 AM
Abidal: Returning to football not my objective
The experienced defender recently resumed individual training after a liver transplant, but he has revealed that a comeback is not his main concern any more
9:00 AM
Celtic - Barcelona Preview: Lennon's men aim to bounce back from Camp Nou heartbreak
The Bhoys were within minutes of securing a heroic Champions League point in Spain before being denied by full-back Jordi Alba's last-gasp winner for the hosts on Matchday 3
8:40 AM
Ozil: I would give both Casillas and Ronaldo the Ballon d'Or
The Germany international says he would halve the prestigious prize between his two team-mates, and has admitted that he is not completely happy with his performances of late
4:21 AM
Cote D’Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi attends Real Madrid training session
The Elephants coach paid a visit to the Los Merengues’ training ground to watch Jose Mourinho and his men tune up ahead of their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund
1:40 AM
Barcelona doctor says David Villa could have lost leg
Dr Ramon Cugat, who operated on the Spain international's tibia after he broke it during the Club World Cup in Tokyo, says the star was fortunate not to have it removed
12:55 AM
Bartra: Messi argument was blown out of proportion
The Spain Under-21 defender says that reports of an dispute between himself and the European Golden Boot winner were exaggerated, and that the matter has been resolved