Real keep pace with Atletico win in Spanish league

Real Madrid maintained their ominous form Sunday with a 2-0 derby victory over Atletico which keeps them at the top of the Primera Liga.

Coach Jose Mourinho arrived at the Bernabeu with the reputation as a defensive tactician but in their last five games they have now scored 21 goals.

Atletico haven’t won away to Real for eleven years and they were immediately under pressure from the surging runs of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil.

But it was a defender, Ricardo Carvalho, who gave them the lead though after a foray forward, finishing coolly in front of goal.

Higuain missed an excellent chance with just keeper David De Gea to beat but Real did extend their lead courtesy of some poor defending. An Ozil free-kick was crossed in, missing everyone, and creeping into the corner.

With a two-goal cushion in the opening quarter, Real began to play more deeply and while Atletico had more possession they created few chances.

The game was becoming more and more scrappy. Atletico went closest when a Diego Forlan shot from the edge of the area came back off the upright while Ozil could have given Real a third when put through on goal but he finished tamely.

Barcelona played some of their best attacking football of the season as they beat Getafe 3-1 to keep the pressure on Real.

David Villa should have put Barça in the lead after just four minutes but Messi, at the heart of the majority of their best moves, put them on their way mid-way through the first half, slotting home from a Villa pass.

Villa was flagged off-side in front of goal after a delightful move involving Messi and Andres Iniesta but he did get on the score sheet minutes later.

Getafe attacked more in the second-half but Cata Diaz was caught in possession by Messi who set-up Pedro Rodriguez for Barça’s third. Manu Del Moral pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Gerard Pique handled in the penalty area and was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Both team’s missed further openings while Derek Boateng was also dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.

“Generally the team played well although I think we could have done better in the first half to finish off the game,” said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

“Getafe showed their qualities and they have a lot. The sending off (of Pique) changed the game but it is never easy to come here and it was the same last year, we had a lot of problems in the first half.”

High-flying Villarreal came from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 and maintain their 100 per cent home record.

Villarreal had not even conceded a goal at El Madrigal but went behind after just six minutes when Fernando Llorente headed home a cross from Jon Aurtenetxe.

The home side took the game to Athletic and Giuseppe Rossi had several chances to bring Villarreal level before eventually Nilmar scored with keeper Gorka Iraizoz coming and failing to reach a cross.

Santi Cazorla put Villarreal ahead before the break and with Athletic reduced to ten following the expulsion of Aurtenetxe, Rossi finally found the back of the net and Jefferson Montero completed the scoring. Bottom side Zaragoza picked up their first win of the season in a 3-2 victory over Mallorca.

Angel Lafita equalised Pierre Webo’s opener for Mallorca and while Michael Pereira restored the visitor’s advantage, Nicolas Bertolo and Gabi Fernandez, from the penalty spot, earned Zaragoza the three points.

Deportivo la Coruna came out on top 2-1 in a relegation battle with Levante. The Galician’s followed up their victory against Espanyol last weekend with goals from Ivan Riki and Ayathmi Artiles while Juanlu Gomez got Levante’s consolation.

Osasuna were comfortable 3-0 winners over Hercules with goals from Nacho Monreal, Manuel Lolo and Krisztian Vadocz while Sporting Gijon drew 1-1 with Almeria. Miguel Corona put the Andalusian side in front but Nacho Novo brought Sporting level.