La Liga wrap: Heavyweights taste victory

Barcelona remain top of Spain’s La Liga after a 3-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday, while Real Madrid kept the pressure on by beating Valencia 2-0.

Pedro gave Barca the lead after 26 minutes and Argentinean star Lionel Messi doubled their advantage on 65 minutes after using his blistering pace to open up the Osasuna defence before rifling a shot past Osasuna goalkeeper Ricardo.

Messi blasted home a penalty six minutes from full-time to seal the result and notch up his 15th La Liga goal for the season.

Real Madrid stayed within two points of Barcelona thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo but they had to fight hard against a committed Valencia outfit, who held the home team goalless until the 73-minute mark.

Valencia midfielder David Albelda was sent off after 65 minutes for a second yellow card, and Ronaldo took full advantage of the increased space on offer eight minutes later when he sprinted into the box to collect a splendid pass from Mesut Ozil to blast a left-shot past Guaita in the away team’s goal.

The Portuguese attacker was at it again three minutes from full-time when he ran half the length of the pitch before rocketing a right-foot effort into the top corner to make sure of the points for Real, lifting them to 35 points from their 14 games and just two behind Barcelona.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s terrible run of form continued when they were beaten 2-0 away from home by Levante, who climbed to 15th place with the win.

After a 3-2 defeat to Espanyol on Saturday was followed by another 3-2 loss to Aris Thessaloniki in the Europa League on Wednesday, Atletico made the worst possible start against Levante when Victoriano Nano gave the hosts the lead after just three minutes.

On-loan Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo sealed the win for Levante with a goal 14 minutes after half-time to cap off a miserable week for Atletico supporters.