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Eto'o makes goal-scoring return

FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o scores past Athletic de Bilbao goalkeeper Aranzubia during their match at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on Sunday. PHOTO: EPA

Samuel Eto'o made a goal-scoring return as Barcelona put daylight between themselves and their Spanish title rivals by thrashing Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Sunday.

The reigning Spanish champions got all their goals in the first half before easing off, which saved the hapless Basque side from further humiliation, and now have a two-point lead over Sevilla at the top of the Spanish first division.

A bizarre own goal by Fernando Armorebieta, the Athletic defender kicking a Ludovic Giuly cross twice en-route to putting the ball in his own net after 22 minutes, was followed up by strikes from Xavi Hernandez and Eto'o.

Cameroon international striker Eto'o, last season's top scorer in the Spanish first division, was starting his first game for five months after a sustaining a serious knee injury in the Champions League against Werder Bremen in September.

In the second half, Barca toyed with Athletic but did not add to their tally although Ronaldinho hit the crossbar twice.

The result will give Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard some respite after a week of criticism in the wake of losses to Valencia and Liverpool.

However, he may not have much time to breathe easily as Barca have to travel to Sevilla next Saturday for a top of the table clash for supremacy in Spain.

By contrast, Athletic slip back into the relegation zone and are now third from bottom.

Sevilla, including the Spanish first division's leading scorer Fredi Kanoute, couldn't break down the solid defense of Getafe who have only conceded three goals at home this season and were held to a 0-0 draw to stay second.

"A draw is fair. Both sides tried to win but couldn't. Goals decide games but nobody got any here and you have to accept that," Sevilla coach Juande Ramos said.

There were few chances for either side, perhaps the best falling to Getafe midfielder Francisco Sousa whose shot after 15 minutes required an outstanding save from Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop.

At the other end it was Luis Garcia, Getafe's first choice last season but playing his first game in this campaign, rather than the suspended "Pato" Abbondanzieri who was wearing the gloves for the hosts.

"He [Garcia] stopped some important shots at the start of the game and that put his in the right frame of mind for the rest of the game," Getafe coach Bernd Schuster said.

Valencia stay in third on goal difference from Real Madrid, but still four points adrift of Sevilla, after being held to a shock 1-1 draw at bottom club Gimnastic Tarragona.
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