FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.10.2009 10:50

Spanish League Roundup: Matchday 8

Of the top six in La Liga, only Valencia managed to keep pace with Barça this weekend and take all three points thanks to their 0-3 win away to Almeria.

The rest of the leading group all lost or drew, allowing FC Barcelona to open up a three-point lead over Real Madrid in second place and a huge eight-point lead over sixth placed Mallorca.

Challengers fail to increase pressure

On Saturday evening, Real Madrid had to settle for a point after a goalless draw away to Sporting while Sevilla were held at home by the same score by a rapidly improving Espanyol. Atlético’s woes continued with a 1-1 draw at home to nine-man Mallorca in their first match since the sacking of manager Abel. Watching from the stands, new boss Quique Sánchez Flores no doubt had much to think about as his side surrendered the lead in the last minute of the game despite playing against nine men after Josemi and Ramos were both red-carded.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Deportivo’s hopes of re-establishing themselves in Spain’s top four took a knock when they beaten soundly beaten 4-0 away to Valladolid – all the more painful coming after a four-match winning run had lifted them to fourth place before the weekend. They are replaced in fourth place by Valencia, who secured a comfortable -03 win away to Almeria. David Villa opened the scoring with a superb header and is the league’s top scorer along with Seydou Keita.

Villarreal turn the corner

Manager Ernesto Valverde breathed a huge sigh of relief on Sunday as his Villarreal side took their first league win of the season at home to fellow strugglers Malaga (2-1). Villarreal remain in the bottom three but climb over Jerez, who lost 1-0 away to Tenerife.

Athletic Bilbao continued their poor run losing 2-0 away to Getafe and are now five without a win. Racing and Osasuna fought out a 1-1 draw in Santander that left neither team very happy. Osasuna – who welcome Barça to Pamplona next weekend - failed to break into the top six while Racing stay within a point of the bottom three.