Ten-man Real Madrid survived a late fightback by Atletico Madrid to win 3-2 and keep the pressure on Spanish league leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
In an action-packed derby at the Calderon, Kaka gave Real Madrid the lead after just five minutes, although there were suspicions of a foul on Cleber Santana in the lead-up. Chances came and went for both sides, but Real were more clinical, with Marcelo doubling the advantage with an acute drive with his weaker right foot.
Still not fully fit, Sergio Aguero was introduced in the second half and after running through on goal was brought down by Sergio Ramos who was dismissed. Real went further ahead, however, through Gonzalo Higuain after 73 minutes, before Atletico launched an assault that saw Diego Forlan and Aguero both score.
PHOTO: AFP
Real coach Manuel Pellegrini said: “In the first half, Atletico hardly caused us any trouble and then we still had everything controlled until Ramos was sent off. We have to improve because we lack consistency, but I have a good feeling about the team.”
Atletico coach Quique Flores admitted that the result leaves the team in a precarious position in the league.
“The alarm bells are ringing for us, but with fight and character we have to take on the next few games and start moving up the table,” Flores said.
Youngster Pedro Rodriguez scored a brace as Barcelona kept up a one-point lead over Real Madrid with a 4-2 win over Real Mallorca.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sent out a second-string side, with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Leo Messi and Dani Alves all missing from the starting line-up. Barcelona dominated the game and went ahead through Pedro after a delightful back-heel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Jose Nunes leveled for Mallorca, heading home at the far post from a corner, but Barcelona scored twice in the run-up to halftime.
Pedro scored again and then Thierry Henry grabbed his first goal after an injury-plagued start to the season.
Mallorca were unable make any real inroads after the break and substitute Messi increased Barcelona’s advantage from the penalty spot. There was still time at the end for a consolation from Alhassane Keita.
“It wasn’t all bad,” Guardiola said. “Last year, nobody gave us any chance and each step that we made was met by surprise, but this year there is no room for surprises.”
A battling performance by Deportivo La Coruna saw them keep up their push for a place in Europe with a 2-0 victory at Getafe, despite being reduced to nine men.
Getafe had only lost once at home so far to Barcelona, but they went behind after 14 minutes when Miguel Mista headed home a cross from fullback Luis Felipe. Deportivo remained solid despite the loss of Riki Sanchez for two yellow cards and extended their lead after 58 minutes, with Mista providing the assist for Luis Felipe.
The visitors then saw Sergio Gonzalez dismissed after receiving his second booking, but Deportivo held on for the win.
Struggling Malaga picked up an important point against Tenerife, who will consider they should have won the game. Despite Malaga being the better side, Tenerife stormed into a two-goal lead through Roman Martinez and Alejandro Alfaro.
Malaga hit back through Edinho Arnaldo and the striker could have scored again before halftime, but his header came back off the crossbar. With just 13 minutes remaining, Javi Lopez found the back of the net to earn Malaga reward for their efforts.
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