Real Madrid came from a goal down to cut Barcelona's lead at the top to 12 points with a hard-fought 3-1 home victory over basement boys Osasuna on Sunday and end a week of boardroom infighting on a high.

In contrast to Barcelona's dazzling 5-0 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, Real were fortunate to survive two strong penalty claims as they laboured to a win that lifts them into second above Sevilla on goal difference.

Osasuna went ahead through Iranian international Javad Nekounam's 19th-minute header but gifted Real an equaliser early in the second half with goalkeeper Roberto allowing Sergio Ramos's tame shot to creep in. Argentine Gonzalo Higuain struck his 12th goal of the season just after the hour mark to turn the game in Real's favour and Arjen Robben added a third they scarcely deserved.

Real's preparations for the Osasuna match had been far from perfect with president Ramon Calderon resigning on Friday, creating more unstability at the club who only axed coach Bernd Schuster before Christmas. Real almost scored after 24 seconds with Higuain showing a great turn of pace to get into the penalty area only to have his shot saved.

Osasuna had almost beaten Barcelona last weekend, conceding two late goals to lose 3-2 and took a 19th minute lead on Sunday when Jaroslav Plasil got down the byline and whipped in a great cross for Nekounam to head home. It was the first goal Real had conceded since the 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in mid-December. Ramos thought he had equalised in the 37th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.

After the break the Spanish international got his goal with his speculative shot fumbled by keeper Roberto who allowed the ball to loop over his body. Robben then set up Higuain for a simple tap-in and scored himself in the dying seconds. Real had been let off the hook six minutes from time when Pepe appeared to foul Juanfran in the penalty area. The referee waved away the appeals and Juanfran, already booked, was sent off for diving.

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Osasuna Highlights

Full results;

January 17
Barcelona 5 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna
Sevilla 1 - 0 Numancia

January 18
Getafe 0 - 1 Racing Santander
Malaga 4 - 0 Espanyol
Real Madrid 3 - 1 Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva 2 - 0 Sporting Gijon
Valladolid 1 - 3 Real Betis
Villarreal 2 - 0 Mallorca
Athletic Bilbao 3 - 2 Valencia
Almeria 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid

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Barcelona were back to their brilliant best, crushing Deportivo La Coruna 5-0 at the Camp Nou to maintain their 12-point lead over Sevilla at the top of La Liga.

A mesmerising first half display saw Barca score three times with Lionel Messi, voted second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the FIFA World Player of the Year award on Monday, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o all on the scoresheet. Henry grabbed his 11th goal of the season with eight minutes left while Eto'o took his personal tally to 18 with a second from the penalty spot in the closing stages.

The Catalan giants are now 17 matches unbeaten in the league and have set a new record of 50 points at the halfway point of the season. Real set the previous best of 47 points last season. Barcelona had struggled to defeat bottom side Osasuna 3-2 last weekend but Guardiola kept faith with his first choice XI leaving Andres Iniesta on the bench.

The inevitable breakthrough came on 21 minutes with Messi dribbling at speed before guiding his shot in off the post for his 12th of the season. Henry went into double figures for the campaign six minutes later, heading in a pinpoint cross from Dani Alves. Messi should have scored his second with a clear header but missed the target and Eto'o spurned another great chance.

The Cameroon forward finally got his goal after 41 minutes with a tap-in. Henry made it 4-0 on 82 minutes and Eto'o completed the scoring with a late penalty after goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia chopped down Carles Puyol and was subsequently red-carded.

Barcelona 5 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna Highlights

Other results;

January 17
Barcelona 5 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna
Sevilla 1 - 0 Numancia

January 18
Getafe ? - ? Racing Santander
Malaga ? - ? Espanyol
Real Madrid ? - ? Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva ? - ? Sporting Gijon
Valladolid ? - ? Real Betis
Villarreal ? - ? Mallorca
Athletic Bilbao ? - ? Valencia
Almeria ? - ? Atletico Madrid

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Mallorca 0 - 3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid captain Raul celebrated his 500th league appearance in the famous white shirt with a goal as the champions climbed to second with a comfortable 3-0 win at Real Mallorca on Sunday.

Incredibly it was Real's first away win in the league since 18 October and the capital giants are now nine points behind tabletoppers Barcelona who have a game in hand. Arjen Robben opened the scoring as early as the third minute before Raul, 31, struck on 17 minutes with his seventh goal of the campaign and Sergio Ramos netted a third in the second half.

For Real, Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who made his debut last weekend, was dropped to the bench with Gonzalo Higuain, back from a bout of tonsilitis, partnering Raul in attack. Higuain had an immediate impact, lofting a third minute pass to Robben who was just onside as he raced clear before slotting home to score for the second consecutive game.

Higuain was the provider again on 17 minutes powering down the right flank before fizzing in a cross that Raul flicked in with his trailing leg. Just before the interval the Mallorca players were up in arms at not being awarded a penalty when Pepe appeared to use his hand to block a shot but the referee waved play on.

Ramos volleyed in a third on 66 minutes and Real kept a third successive clean sheet to suggest things are improving under new manager Juande Ramos. Frontrunners Barcelona can move 12 points clear of Real again when they face basement side Osasuna later on Sunday.

Mallorca 0 - 3 Real Madrid Highlights

Osasuna 2 - 3 Barcelona

Lionel Messi scored a thunderous 84th-minute winner as leaders Barcelona came back to overcome bottom side Osasuna 3-2 on Sunday and restore their 12-point cushion over second-placed Real Madrid.

It was all going to plan for Barcelona when Messi set up Samuel Eto'o to score just before the break but Miguel Flaño turned in a corner to equalise not long after the hour mark and ten minutes later Walter Pandiani seemed to have put the visitors' 16-game unbeaten Liga run in jeopardy.

However, on his 300th league appearance Xavi turned in a Daniel Alves cross and with five minutes left Messi's superb finish sealed the win.

Full results;

January 10
Deportivo La Coruna 1 - 3 Sevilla
Valencia 3 - 3 Villarreal

January 11
Atletico Madrid 2 - 3 Athletic Bilbao
Mallorca 0 - 3 Real Madrid
Numancia 2 - 0 Getafe
Racing Santander 1 - 1 Recreativo Huelva
Real Betis 1 - 2 Malaga
Sporting Gijon 2 - 1 Valladolid
Espanyol 2 - 2 Almeria
Osasuna 2 - 3 Barcelona

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Deportivo La Coruna 1 - 3 Sevilla

Ten-man Sevilla climbed to second in the Primera Liga with a 3-1 comeback win at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday

Trailing 1-0 and with a man less at the start of the second half, Frederic Kanoute was sent on as a Sevilla substitute and set up Luis Fabiano and then Renato for goals before Diego Capel sealed the win.

Sevilla have 35 points from 18 games and trail runaway leaders Barcelona by nine. Barca, who have played a game less, visit bottom club Osasuna on Sunday. Valencia are third with 34 points, two ahead of champions Real Madrid who are away to Real Mallorca on Sunday. Villarreal are sixth with 30.


Valencia 3 - 3 Villarreal

Ruben Baraja and David Villa put Valencia two-up inside ten minutes at the Mestalla as they ran Villarreal ragged in the first half, but Fabricio Fuentes pulled one back with a header just before the break.

Joseba Llorente levelled for the visitors in the 76th minute before Edu restored Valencia's lead three minutes later with a great header. Giuseppe Rossi grabbed Villarreal's equaliser from the penalty spot six minutes from time, ending a run of three straight defeats.

Other results;

January 10
Deportivo La Coruna 1 - 3 Sevilla
Valencia 3 - 3 Villarreal

January 11
Atletico Madrid ? - ? Athletic Bilbao
Mallorca ? - ? Real Madrid
Numancia ? - ? Getafe
Racing Santander ? - ? Recreativo Huelva
Real Betis ? - ? Malaga
Sporting Gijon ? - ? Valladolid
Espanyol ? - ? Almeria
Osasuna ? - ? Barcelona

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Real Madrid 1 - 0 Villarreal

A brilliant solo goal from Dutch winger Arjen Robben helped Real Madrid close the gap on runaway leaders Barcelona to 12 points as the champions defeated Villarreal 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real coach Juande Ramos handed debuts to French midfielder Lassana Diarra and Dutch international striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar (40 million euros worth of talent) but it was Robben that proved the difference. The former Chelsea man jinked his way past several opponents, leaving Spain star Marcos Senna sprawling on the ground before unleashing an unstoppable 31st minute winner.

Ramos had no hesitation in giving league debuts to Diarra, who he signed for 20 million euros from Portsmouth during the transfer window, and Huntelaar who was a 20 million euro purchase by former manager Bernd Schuster. The Christmas break also allowed Real to recover injured players and they welcomed back Pepe and Gabriel Heinze to strengthen the back four.

Real hit the woodwork on 11 minutes when Robben's deflected shot ricocheted off the top of the crossbar for a corner. The Dutchman was Real's standout player and he scored a terrific goal just after the hour. Cutting in from the right flank Robben faked to shoot - deceiving Spanish international Senna who threw himself to the ground to block, before firing a fierce drive into the top corner with his left foot.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Villarreal

Sevilla 1 - 1 Osasuna

Also on Sunday, Seville struggled to break down struggling Osasuna in the first half but Jesús Navas broke the deadlock five minutes after the break. Walter Pandiani struck in added time, though, to give the visitors a point.

Sevilla are now level on 32 points with Real Madrid in third place. fifa


Full results;

January 3
Barcelona 3 - 1 Mallorca
Valencia 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

January 4
Almeria 1 - 0 Real Betis
Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Espanyol
Malaga 1 - 0 Sporting Gijon
Real Madrid 1 - 0 Villarreal
Recreativo Huelva 3 - 1 Numancia
Valladolid 0 - 1 Racing Santander
Sevilla 1 - 1 Osasuna
Getafe 1 - 2 Deportivo La Coruna

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Barcelona 3 - 1 Mallorca

Spanish international Andres Iniesta marked his comeback from injury in style with a crucial goal as leaders Barcelona defeated Real Mallorca 3-1 on Saturday to continue where they left off before Christmas. Their first victory in 2009 takes Barca 13 points clear of second-placed Sevilla and 15 points in front of champions Real Madrid who play Villarreal on Sunday.

Barca had fallen behind to a 15th-minute strike from Aritz Aduriz, but a ninth goal of the season from Thierry Henry and Iniesta's strike turned the game in their favour. Iniesta, a star of Spain's UEFA EURO 2008-winning squad, had been injured since the beginning of November, but came on as a 67th-minute substitute and netted eight miuntes later after a pass from Eidur Gudjohnsen. Mallorca, struggling above the relegation zone, also had former Liverpool man Josemi sent off late after Iniesta humiliated him with a neat drag back. Yaya Toure completed the scoring at the Nou Camp in stoppage time as he cleverly evaded two challenges before ramming the ball home.

Manager Pep Guardiola chose to leave Argentine Lionel Messi out of the squad with Tuesday's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid in mind. The absence of the exciting winger was disappointing for the paying spectators but it was a bonus for Belarus winger Alexander Hleb who was given a rare start out wide.

Barcelona 3 - 1 Mallorca Highlights

Valencia 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

In Saturday's late match, Valencia saw off rivals Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla thanks to two goals from David Silva and a David Villa penalty.

The home side had a string of early chances and took the lead with just over half an hour gone after the referee ruled that Raul Garcia had brought down Ruben Baraja in the area. Villa sent Leo Franco the wrong way to score but replays showed there had been minimal contact between Garcia and Baraja.

Miguel Monteira created a second for Valencia shortly after when he played in Silva, who poked the ball past the goalkeeper, before Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan pulled a goal back from the penalty spot. Silva added a third midway through the second period when he arrowed a powerful left-foot shot past Franco.

Current results;

January 3
Barcelona 3 - 1 Mallorca
Valencia 3 - 1 Atletico Madrid

January 4
Almeria ? - ? Real Betis
Athletic Bilbao ? - ? Espanyol
Malaga ? - ? Sporting Gijon
Real Madrid ? - ? Villarreal
Recreativo Huelva ? - ? Numancia
Valladolid ? - ? Racing Santander
Sevilla ? - ? Osasuna
Getafe ? - ? Deportivo La Coruna

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Thierry Henry scored the winner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 away and go ten points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Cani had given Villarreal the lead just after the restart in a pulsating match at the Madrigal, bursting clear to chip Victor Valdes. Barca's Mali midfielder Seydou Keita levelled with a brave header soon after, and France striker Henry volleyed the winner in the 67th minute from Xavi's run and cross. Barca played the last 15 minutes with ten men after defender Gerard Pique was shown a second yellow card, but they hung on for the win and have now beaten all five of their closest challengers.

Pep Guardiola's side have 41 points from 16 games, which is the side's best start to a league campaign, beating the previous record set under Frank Rijkaard in the 2004/05 season when they achieved 39 points at the same point. They also claimed the honorary title of 'winter champions' with three matches left to the mid-point of the season.

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Sevilla were held to a 0-0 draw away to struggling Real Mallorca but climbed into second place on 31 points. Manolo Jimenez's side, who were knocked out of the UEFA Cup during the week, put in a listless display and Luis Fabiano headed their best chance against the bar in the first half.

Atletico Madrid are third with 30 points, above Valencia on goal difference after their 3-2 win at Espanyol on Saturday, when Valencia lost 1-0 at Real Madrid. The champions are a point back in fifth ahead of Villarreal on goal difference, and two points in front of seventh-placed Deportivo La Coruna, who sank Recreativo Huelva 4-1 at home. fifa

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An early goal for Gonzalo Higuain was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday and the first win for Juande Ramos in La Liga as coach. Real bounced back from the 2-0 defeat in the clasico against Barcelona last weekend to score after just three minutes with Higuain firing home after good work from Arjen Robben.

Robben was the key player in the early stages of the match and a constant threat, setting up Rafael van de Vaart who hit the post and then he himself saw a shot cleared off the line after he had rounded the goalkeeper. Valencia gradually came back into the match and keeper Iker Casillas made a series of stops from David Villa.

In the second half Real, were hanging on with Casillas parrying a Ruben Baraja strike on to a post but the pressure eased mid-way through the half following the expulsion of Carlos Marchena for his second yellow card. Real had chances to add to their lead but Higuain and Juan Guti in particular missed excellent chances.

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Meanwhile, Atlético are eight points shy after they were made to wait for their triumph in Espanyol. Maxi Rodríguez set Los Colchoneros on their way with a mere seven minutes on the clock, but Sergio Sánchez put the home side back on level terms in the 58th minute and the scoreline remained unchanged until Sergio Agüero made Atlético's pressure pay with nine minutes left. Maxi then provided the cushion of a third goal in stoppage time and the visitors needed it too, with substitute Valdo responding almost immediately for Espanyol. uefa

Current results;

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Valencia
Espanyol 2 - 3 Atletico Madrid
.......
Deportivo La Coruna ? - ? Recreativo Huelva
Mallorca ? - ? Sevilla
Numancia ? - ? Valladolid
Osasuna ? - ? Getafe
Racing Santander ? - ? Malaga
Sporting Gijon ? - ? Almeria
Villarreal ? - ? Barcelona
Real Betis ? - ? Athletic Bilbao

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Brazilian Renato was the hero again as Sevilla followed up their Real Madrid scalp with a 1-0 home win over title rivals Villarreal on Sunday to go third in the table.

Renato had scored an 84th-minute winner as Sevilla overcame Real, 4-3, last weekend and struck on the chime of half-time to secure a valuable three points and they move level on points with Valencia, eight behind leaders Barcelona. Villarreal slipped to fourth and trail Barcelona, who defeated Real Madrid, 2-0, on Saturday, by nine points.

The referee was close to blowing up only for Renato to score with Frederic Kanoute's miscontrol of a high ball inadvertently setting up the Samba striker. Kanoute should have made it 2-0 at the beginning of the second half but sliced over after Adriano had cut the ball back. Substitute Fabiano and Adriano spurned great chances and it was incredible that a dominant Sevilla failed to get a second. fifa

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Full results;

Valencia 2 - 1 Espanyol
Barcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid
.......
Almeria 1 - 1 Racing Santander
Athletic Bilbao 3 - 0 Sporting Gijon
Getafe 4 - 1 Mallorca
Malaga 2 - 0 Numancia
Recreativo Huelva 1 - 0 Osasuna
Valladolid 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna
Sevilla 1 - 0 Villarreal
Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Real Betis

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Two late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 2-0 in 'El Clasico' at a rain-soaked Camp Nou on Saturday to move 12 points clear of their arch rivals in the title race.

Former Real old boy Eto'o had seen Iker Casillas save his penalty on 70 minutes but picked himself up to break the deadlock seven minutes from time and Messi produced a delicate chip in stoppage time to spark wild celebrations. It was Barca's first win over Real since November 2005 and was sweet revenge for last season when Real did a league double and Barca had to perform the guard of honour to salute Real as champions at the Santiago Bernabeu before losing 4-1.

For new Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos, who took over from Bernd Schuster four days ago, it was a bitter pill to swallow and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager has a mammoth task to help Real win a third consecutive title. It is a complete turnaround from last season when Real opened up a seven-point cushion with a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou before strolling to the title.

Wesley Sneijder was passed fit for the match as Ramos shuffled an injury-plagued Real side who also had their left side weakened through the suspensions of Arjen Robben and Marcelo. Sergio Ramos was asked to play at left back - possibly to try to counter Messi. Guardiola, who saw his team destroy Valencia 4-0 last time out, had no major injury worries and the three-pronged attack of Eto'o, Messi and Thierry Henry was employed to test the makeshift Real backline.

On 70 minutes Barca thought they had their breakthrough when Michel Salgado blocked Sergi Busquets and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. However, Casillas went the right way to save Eto'o's spot-kick and denied him again a minute later with a fantastic save. Eto'o sucked up the blow and showed a real predator instinct to get a slight touch to prod the ball in after Carles Puyol kept a corner alive. Messi then rubbed salt in their wounds with a 91st minute chip.

Barcelona will play Villarreal next weekend while Real entertain Valencia praying for the Christmas break.

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MEANWHILE, Valencia beat Espanyol 2-1. Román Martínez gave the visitors the lead in the 29th minute but they were down to ten men soon after when Francisco Rufete received his marching orders. Raúl Albiol levelled matters just before the hour mark and Vicente Rodríguez won his side – who move into second in the standings – the points nine minutes from time. fifa

Current results;

Valencia 2 - 1 Espanyol
Barcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid
.......
Almeria ? - ? Racing Santander
Athletic Bilbao ? - ? Sporting Gijon
Getafe ? - ? Mallorca
Malaga ? - ? Numancia
Recreativo Huelva ? - ? Osasuna
Valladolid ? - ? Deportivo La Coruna
Sevilla ? - ? Villarreal
Atletico Madrid ? - ? Real Betis

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Real Madrid 3 - 4 Sevilla

Real Madrid trail Barcelona by nine points going into next Saturday's "El Clasico" at Camp Nou after the double champions fell to a 4-3 home defeat to Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Real came from 3-1 down to level at 3-3 but Renato headed the winner four minutes from time to sink ten-man Real, who had Arjen Robben sent off on 77 minutes. Real coach Bernd Schuster knew defeat in Barcelona will leave his team a staggering 12 points behind their arch-rivals. Dutch winger Robben will miss the Barcelona clash through suspension.

Real got off to a nightmare start conceding after just three minutes when the usually reliable goalkeeper Iker Casillas flapped at a cross. Adriano was at the backpost to accept the Christmas gift bundling the ball home. Captain Raul equalised on 18 minutes with a well-timed glancing header from a precise Guti cross. Real looked threatening but their defence looked frail and the lanky Koffi Ndri Romaric headed in a corner three minutes after the equaliser to make it 2-1.

Even though Sevilla, who were trounced 3-0 by Barcelona in their last match, were without their top striker Luis Fabiano through suspension, they were causing untold problems and struck again on 38 minutes. Renato saw his shot blocked and the ball fell to Frederic Kanoute, slotted the ball into the corner. The home fans, donning rain coats to combat the torrential rain in Madrid, jeered their side at the interval. Barcelona crushed title rivals Valencia 4-0 at Camp Nou on Saturday and now sit six points clear of Villarreal and nine ahead of Real.

Schuster took off Rafael van der Vaart for compatriot Roysten Drenthe at half-time to try and give the team more width. Higuain scored a brilliant individual goal, his 10th of the season, rifling in a shot on 66 minutes to get his team back in the game. Gago headed in the equaliser two minutes later after some slack marking. But Renato was wide open to score the winner on 84 minutes to inflict Real's first league home defeat since March 23, when they lost, 3-2, to Valencia. fifa

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Full results;

Sporting Gijon 2 - 5 Atletico Madrid
Villarreal 3 - 3 Getafe
Barcelona 4 - 0 Valencia
.......
Deportivo La Coruna 2 - 0 Malaga
Mallorca 2 - 3 Recreativo Huelva
Numancia 2 - 1 Almeria
Osasuna 3 - 3 Valladolid
Racing Santander 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
Real Betis 1 - 1 Espanyol
Real Madrid 3 - 4 Sevilla

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Barcelona 4 - 0 Valencia

Thierry Henry grabbed a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Valencia 4-0 at Camp Nou on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to six points.

Henry scored in the 19th, 27th and 79th minutes with Dani Alves also on the mark, as Barca stretched their advantage after second-placed Villarreal drew 3-3 against Getafe. Barca are now unbeaten in their last 20 games in all competitions - 13 in the league - and Real Madrid, nine points adrift of their rivals, need to win their game in hand against Sevilla on Sunday with 'El Clasico' at Barca next Saturday.

With Samuel Eto'o suspended, Henry was given a more central striking role and he responded with a treble to take his season's tally to seven. With 19 minutes gone Henry raced onto a terrific backspin pass from Yaya Toure and finished with a deft lob reminiscent of his peak years at Arsenal. Eight minutes later Henry finished off a brilliant move started by a raking pass from Alves, side-footing in after Alexander Hleb cut the ball back. Valencia trudged off at half-time knowing it could have been worse with Xavi hitting the post for Barca in the second minute. It was more of the same in the second half with Xavi sliding in Alves to smash in a third goal two minutes after the break.

Barca were leading Valencia, unbeaten on their travels before this match, a merry dance and Henry had a tap-in for his hat-trick with Bojan Krkic putting the ball on a plate. Valencia are now eight points behind Barca who are threatening to run away with the title.

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Villarreal 3 - 3 Getafe

Villarreal are their nearest rivals and showed the spirit of champions coming from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Getafe at El Madrigal stadium.

Getafe scored three times in the first half and looked set for another giant-killing act after defeating Real Madrid 3-1 last weekend. However, Villarreal gave their home fans a scintillating performance after the interval with Robert Pires pulling a goal back before Sebastian Eguren and Giuseppe Rossi struck in the final seven minutes. Villarreal will certainly settle for the draw after being 3-0 down but coach Manuel Pellegrini will be concerned that his team have failed to win any of their last four home matches.

Getafe, coached by Victor Munoz, who was in charge of Villarreal from 2000 to 2003, are now unbeaten against last season's top three. fifa

Current results;

Sporting Gijon 2 - 5 Atletico Madrid
Villarreal 3 - 3 Getafe
Barcelona 4 - 0 Valencia
.......
Deportivo La Coruna ? - ? Malaga
Mallorca ? - ? Recreativo Huelva
Numancia ? - ? Almeria
Osasuna ? - ? Valladolid
Racing Santander ? - ? Athletic Bilbao
Real Betis ? - ? Espanyol
Real Madrid ? - ? Sevilla

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Recreativo Huelva 1 - 2 Villarreal

Injury-hit Villarreal underlined their Spanish league title credentials with a 2-1 victory over rock-bottom Recreativo Huelva on Sunday to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to four points. Despite missing seven players, including influential midfielder Marcos Senna, Villarreal had enough to overcome a Recreativo side who have won just once all season.

Villarreal were fortunate to go ahead when Santi Cazorla's shot from outside the area went in off a defender after 26 minutes. Ariel Ibagaza doubled the lead with a well-struck free-kick before Recreativo pulled a goal back through a penalty from Adrian Colunga after Pascal Cygan brought down Marco Ruben.

Valencia 3 - 2 Real Betis

A Ruben Baraja header gave ten-man Valencia a 3-2 victory in a pulsating encounter with Real Betis at the Mestalla to keep them in the championship hunt. Valencia had lost their last two home games but went into a commanding lead after first-half goals from David Villa and Juan Mata. Brazilian midfielder Edu was the key, helping to set up both goals as Betis struggled to muster an attack of their own. But after he exited before half-time holding his thigh Betis seized the initiative and reduced the deficit with Juanma Gonzalez scoring after 56 minutes with the Valencia keeper Renan Brito beaten at his near post.

Betis then levelled just after the hour mark when Sergio Garcia was brought down in the area by Carlos Marchena, who was dismissed. Achille Emana converted the spot-kick. Betis pushed forward looking for the victory but against the run of play Baraja headed a free-kick powerfully past the stranded Betis goalkeeper. fifa

Full results;

Getafe 3 - 1 Real Madrid
Sevilla 0 - 3 Barcelona
.......
Almeria 0 - 1 Deportivo La Coruna
Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Numancia
Espanyol 0 - 1 Sporting Gijon
Malaga 4 - 2 Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva 1 - 2 Villarreal
Valladolid 3 - 0 Mallorca
Valencia 3 - 2 Real Betis
Atletico Madrid 4 - 1 Racing Santander

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Sevilla 0 - 3 Barcelona

A brace from Lionel Messi led Barcelona to a 3-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday and a six-point lead at the top of the Spanish league as Real Madrid crashed, 3-1, at city-rivals Getafe. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola had told his players beforehand to show commitment and it was needed against a Sevilla side who battled for every ball. The game was played at a frantic pace with few clear chances but it was Barcelona who made the most of theirs with Messi once again the outstanding player.

In the opening minutes Luis Fabiano shot over from inside the box for Sevilla but after 20 minutes it was Samuel Eto'o who opened the scoring latching onto a loose ball in the area and firing home. Fabiano went close again and Frederic Kanoute felt unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after tumbling in the box following a challenge from Gerard Pique. But the clearest chance came later for Kanoute, who could only hit the crossbar after beating the offside trap.

In the second half, both sides were reduced to shots from distance before Messi took centre stage. The Argentine ran onto a ball from midfield and volleyed into the corner from 25 yards to extend Barca's lead after 78 minutes. He completed his brace in injury time, rounding the keeper before slotting home. Sevilla's night was made worse by the controversial dismissal of Fabiano for elbowing Sergio Busquets.

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Getafe 3 - 1 Real Madrid

Getafe shocked mighty Real Madrid 3-1 on Saturday to pile renewed pressure on Real coach Bernd Schuster, whose side have lost two of their last three Spanish league games. Schuster was forced into fielding a make-shift team with seven players unavailable and they got off to the worst possible start conceding a goal after just three minutes with Juan Angel Albin converting a Jaime Gavilan cross.

Getafe, brimming with confidence following their draw against Barcelona a week ago, continued to take the game to their Madrid city rivals whose hopes further deteriorated with Wesley Sneijder and Miguel Torres limping off before half-time. Fernando Gago grazed the crossbar but Real were unable to take a hold of the game.

Only a few minutes after the interval Albin knocked in his second, slipping the ball past Iker Casillas. Real were given hope when Javier Saviola finished well inside the area, after Juan Guti had won back possession. But rather than building on the goal, Madrid soon lost impetus, and it was Getafe who looked more likely to score again. With nine minutes remaining Ikechukwu Uche secured the win for Getafe with a clinical finish after the hard work had been done by his strike partner Albin. fifa

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Other results;

Getafe 3 - 1 Real Madrid
Sevilla 0 - 3 Barcelona
.......
Almeria ? - ? Deportivo La Coruna
Athletic Bilbao ? - ? Numancia
Espanyol ? - ? Sporting Gijon
Malaga ? - ? Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva ? - ? Villarreal
Valladolid ? - ? Mallorca
Valencia ? - ? Real Betis
Atletico Madrid ? - ? Racing Santander

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Barcelona 1 - 1 Getafe

Barcelona's impressive run of league wins stopped at nine as Getafe snatched a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on Sunday as the league leaders allowed champions Real Madrid to make up ground in the title race. Barca are now three points ahead of Real at the top and it could have been just two had Mali international Seydou Keita not weighed in with a 71st minute equaliser to cancel out Manu del Moral's opener.

Moral curled in a 19th minute opener to shock the home crowd, who were hoping for a 10th straight league win, and Barca looked to be heading for their first home defeat of the season. But former Sevilla team-mates Dani Alves and Keita, who joined Barca in the summer, combined for an equaliser and both Samuel Eto'o and Gerard Pique hit the crossbar for the hosts.

The absence of Argentine Lionel Messi through a thigh strain did not help Barca's cause and it is uncertain whether he will be fit for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match at Sporting Lisbon. Barcelona have already qualified for the knockout stages but are keen to go through as group winners.

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Numancia 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid

Earlier a stoppage time penalty from Jose Barkero left Atletico Madrid frustrated as the capital club dropped two vital points in a 1-1 draw at Numancia.
Atletico were poised to close to within four points of Valencia and Sevilla, fifth and sixth respectively, after a sixth goal of the season from Uruguayan international Diego Forlan but Mariano Pernia gave away a late penalty and Barkero cooly slotted home. Atletico's rivals Villarreal, Sevilla and Valencia had dropped valuable points but the draw means they failed to capitalise and Javier Aguirre's team stay six points off fifth-placed Sevilla.

The UEFA Champions League is next for Atletico on Wednesday with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven the opponents. Atletico are joint top of Champions League group D with Liverpool on eight points but the home match against PSV will be played behind closed doors as UEFA punish Atletico for crowd trouble in their group match against Marseille at the Vicente Calderon..

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Full results;

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Recreativo Huelva
Villarreal 0 - 3 Valladolid
Sevilla 0 - 0 Valencia
.......
Mallorca 2 - 2 Malaga
Numancia 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid
Osasuna 3 - 1 Almeria
Racing Santander 3 - 0 Espanyol
Sporting Gijon 1 - 2 Real Betis
Barcelona 1 - 1 Getafe
Deportivo La Coruna 3 - 1 Athletic Bilbao

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Real Madrid 1 - 0 Recreativo Huelva

Real Madrid's embattled coach Bernd Schuster was happy to close to within two points of leaders Barcelona with a 1-0 home win over Recreativo Huelva on Saturday, but admitted the growing injury list at the Santiago Bernabeu was a major concern.

A deflected shot from Wesley Sneijder on 39 minutes ensured Schuster's 50th league match in charge of Real was a win to ease the pressure, but it was not all good news, with Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain spraining his ankle.

Real move into second above Villarreal, who lost 3-0 at home to Valladolid, and now trail Barcelona by two points although Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand against Getafe on Sunday.

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Villarreal 0 - 3 Valladolid

Villarreal fell to their first league defeat since April with Valladolid surprise 3-0 winners at El Madrigal. Jonathan Sesma scored a brace and Luis Prieto added a third in a sensational first half as Valladolid, who beat Real Madrid 1-0 last weekend, took another big scalp.

In fact, Valladolid are becoming a bogey team for Villarreal, having crushed them 5-1 on their own ground in a pre-season friendly. Villarreal slip to third, a point behind Real and three adrift of Barca, and their first defeat of the campaign is a setback ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League home match against Manchester United.

Sevilla 0 - 0 Valencia

In Saturday's showpiece match, title contenders Sevilla and Valencia shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Sevilla's Brazilian Luis Fabiano had scored a hat-trick for his country in their 6-2 friendly win over Portugal and Valencia's David Villa had scored in Spain's 3-0 win over Chile, but despite the striking talent on show there were no goals in Seville.

Valencia drop one place to fourth while Sevilla stay fifth, with both sides four points behind pacesetters Barcelona who have played one game less. Juan Mata went close for Valencia early on, while Frederic Kanoute almost broke the deadlock for Sevilla with a spectacular acrobatic effort which was parried by Renan Brito. The result, combined with the Villarreal loss, was perfect for Real, now two points ahead of Sevilla and Valencia, who surge up to second. fifa

Current results;

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Recreativo Huelva
Villarreal 0 - 3 Valladolid
Sevilla 0 - 0 Valencia
.......
Mallorca ? - ? Malaga
Numancia ? - ? Atletico Madrid
Osasuna ? - ? Almeria
Racing Santander ? - ? Espanyol
Sporting Gijon ? - ? Real Betis
Barcelona ? - ? Getafe
Deportivo La Coruna ? - ? Athletic Bilbao

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Recreativo Huelva 0 - 2 Barcelona

Barcelona opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Spanish first division with Lionel Messi's seventh goal of the season and a late strike from substitute Seydou Keita sealing a 2-0 win over Recreativo Huelva on Sunday. A cunning training ground free-kick provided the breakthrough with Argentine Messi peeling off the wall to fire a fierce shot home on 51 minutes before Keita scored minutes after coming on.

It was a ninth successive league win for Barca who had a great weekend with all their title rivals dropping points. Villarreal drew 2-2 with Malaga on Sunday and now sit three points behind the leaders while Real Madrid and Valencia are five points back after tasting defeats on Saturday.

Riesgo had himself a blinder with some fine stops to thwart Eto'o and Thierry Henry who missed a sitter. But a great 51st minute set-piece from the training ground opened the hosts up with Xavi Hernandez lining up a shot before passing to Messi, who had spun off the wall, and the Argentine hammered a shot into the roof of the net. On 85 minutes Keita, who had only been on the pitch eight minutes, added a second from close range after Eto'o screwed his shot.

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Malaga 2 - 2 Villareal

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini was understandably disappointed at dropping two points in the title race as Malaga scored a 90th minute equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw on Sunday. The so-called Yellow Submarine looked set for victory holding a 2-1 lead going into the dying moments of the match but Portuguese defender Helder equalised in the final minute.

After exiting the Spanish Cup to minnows Polideportivo Ejido in midweek, Villarreal wanted to respond and looked set to do just that. Giuseppe Rossi, who scored in the first minute in Villarreal's last match, struck on seven minutes and Jose Llorente restored their lead four minutes after the break after Sergio Duda had replied for Malaga.

But Helder levelled for Malaga and while Villarreal stretch their unbeaten league run to 17 games - with their last league defeat coming back in April - the two points dropped are a blow. fifa

Full results;

Valladolid 1 - 0 Real Madrid
Valencia 2 - 3 Sporting Gijon
.......
Almeria 2 - 1 Mallorca
Atletico Madrid 4 - 1 Deportivo La Coruna
Espanyol 3 - 4 Numancia
Getafe 0 - 2 Sevilla
Malaga 2 - 2 Villarreal
Real Betis 3 - 1 Racing Santander
Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva 0 - 2 Barcelona

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Real Valladolid 1 - 0 Real Madrid

Coaches do not last long at Real Madrid, and Bernd Schuster could be heading for the exit door after the Spanish champions fell to a 1-0 defeat at Real Valladolid today. The same Valladolid had been beaten 6-0 by Barcelona last weekend, and before the game sections of the media predicted this would be the German's last game in the dugout if Real lost.

That is just what happened, with Uruguayan forward Nestor Cannobbio striking a 48th-minute winner with an unstoppable left-footed drive. With two recent UEFA Champions League losses to Juventus, and the midweek Spanish Cup elimination by minnows Real Union, Schuster had been under extreme pressure, and the Valladolid loss could be the final nail in his coffin.

Schuster won the league title in his debut season, but it is now up to the Real board to see if they want to extend his 16-month spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real have now won just once in their last six matches in all competitions and remain fourth in La Liga, two points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand.

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Valencia 2 - 3 Sporting Gijon

It was a great day for the Catalans, with Valencia falling to a surprise 3-2 defeat at home to Sporting Gijon. Los Che could have gone top with victory, but goals from Luis Moran and David Barral gave them an uphill task.

David Villa scored his 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot to get Valencia back in the game, but Diego Castro made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute before Juan Mata added a consolation for the hosts. "We are conceding too many goals at home and this is something we have to cut out," lamented Villa.

Unai Emery's Valencia stay third, above Real Madrid on goal difference, but Villarreal, a point ahead in second, now have a great opportunity to pull away from the duo when they travel to Malaga tomorrow. Meantime, Barcelona will visit Recreativo Huelva. FIFA

Others Results;

Valladolid 1 - 0 Real Madrid
Valencia 2 - 3 Sporting Gijon
.......
Almeria ? - ? Mallorca
Atletico Madrid ? - ? Deportivo La Coruna
Espanyol ? - ? Numancia
Getafe ? - ? Sevilla
Malaga ? - ? Villarreal
Real Betis ? - ? Racing Santander
Athletic Bilbao ? - ? Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva ? - ? Barcelona

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