Atletico stumble, Espanyol boost survival hopes

Atletico Madrid stumbled in their Champions League push on Sunday when they crashed to a 4-2 home defeat to Osasuna.

They remain five points behind fourth-placed Villarreal, who were embarrassed 3-0 by Almeria on Saturday, after a disappointing display in which they went behind through a Walter Pandiani goal after just seven minutes.

Diego Forlan equalised but Osasuna were the better side and took full advantage of Atletico’s defensive frailties.

Krisztian Vadocz restored the lead before Pandiani scored again.

Masoud Shojaei then piled on the misery for the home side who did pull a consolation goal back through Pablo Ibanez.

At the other end of the table, Espanyol boosted their survival hopes with an upset 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna.

Ivan Alonso pounced to put the Catalan side ahead after the Deportivo keeper spilt an Ivan de la Pena cross and then the diminutive midfielder, who was controlling the contest doubled the lead.

Lassad Nouioui pulled a goal back and Deportivo had chances to level the game but an own goal by Albert Lopo in injury time secured the win.

Barcelona’s weary collection of international globe-trotters produced a workmanlike performance to beat Valladolid 1-0 on Saturday.

Having lost three out of four matches following World Cup and international breaks this season Eto’o ensured there would be no dropped points shortly before half-time with a match-winning lob.

Barcelona’s next mission is a home Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with Bayern Munich in midweek.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola praised Valladolid for the way they tried to take the game to his team.

“Valladolid made the game difficult for us by creating a high-tempo and this was on top of the ten days away with international teams but the players responded well,” said the coach whose side still have a six-point lead over Real Madrid.

“Valladolid have been the only team in the league who have had the bravery to actually attack us.”

Real Madrid kept on the shoulders of Barcelona with a 1-0 win away at Malaga but games are running out.

Real coach Juande Ramos was forced to field a weakened team with several players out injured, most notably Arjen Robben who has been a key performer this season.

Gonzalo Higuain made the crucial breakthrough at the beginning of the second half and Real did enough to hold out.

“We have not concentrated too much on Barcelona, all we can do ourselves to win the league is to win all our games and wait for them to make mistakes,” said Ramos.

“The game against Malaga was quite even in a difficult stadium against a team which is having a good season. We had a lot of players who came into the match tired after playing with their national teams but in general terms the team did well.”

Villarreal, who tackle Arsenal in their last eight European tie on Tuesday, slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Almeria who won through first half goals from Alvaro Negredo, Pablo Piatti and Jose Mane.

With half an hour to go Robert Pires, a former Arsenal player, was sent-off for Villarreal for a foul after frustration got the better of him.

Villarreal’s miserable night was completed when midfielder Santi Cazorla was ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg.

Sevilla consolidated their third place with an important 1-0 win away to Recreativo Huelva courtesy of a Frederic Kanoute penalty after 33 minutes following a foul by Poli Fernandez on Renato.

Later Sunday, Valencia will continue their push for a Champions League place against Getafe and there is a mid-table clash between Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander.