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First division - day 37
Minute - by -minute
goalscorers
A dramatic round
of matches on the next to last weekend of the season, with several issues still
to be decided on the last day. No less than four teams can still occupy the
last relegation spot, but Zaragoza must be favourites for the drop after
they were held to a 2-2 draw by already crowned champions Real Madrid.
Oliveira gave the local fans hope, but strikes by Van Nistelrooy and Robinho
turned the scoreline around before Sergio stabbed home a late equaliser.
Manolo
Villanova's side are now two points adrift of Osasuna and Recreativo after both
won their respective matches. Osasuna move out of the relegation spots
after a 2-1 victory against Murcia, their first points at home in five
games. Dady set them on the way with a first minute header and Juanfran added a
second after the break, but an injury time goal by Abel gave the home
supporters a late scare.
Recreativo beat regional neighbours
Almería 0-2 to move up to sixteenth in the table, above Osasuna
on the head-to-head record. Jesús Vázquez set them on their way
with an early goal, and a spectacular dipping volley by Sinama-Pongolle put
them two up by the break. They still had some defending to do though after Iago
Bouzón was sent off on the stroke of half time.
Valladolid are still not safe after a 0-0 draw
against Getafe, who themselves are sure of another season in the top
flight thanks to the result. Despite the scoreline it was a lively match, with
Oscar Sánchez and Aguirre both hitting the woodwork for the locals, and
keepers Sergio Asenjo and Pato Abbondanzieri called on a number of times.
Mendilibar's side visit Recreativo next weekend in a match which could decide
who goes down.
Valencia
are also safe after a resounding 1-5 win at city neighbours Levante,
whose financial plight was supported by protests in all the grounds this
weekend. David Villa was the star of the match, scoring twice in the first half
hour, and setting up goals for Mata and Angulo after José Serrano had
got one back for the hosts. Villa completed his hat-trick later on.
Celebrations at
Atlético Madrid, who will be playing in Europe's top competition
for the first time in twelve years after beating Deportivo 1-0 to make
sure of a place in the top four. Their long season has taken it's toll, but
they had enough energy left to win thanks to a strike from Diego Forlán
just before the interval. Depor themselves are still favourites to make it to
the Intertoto Cup, and the Gailicians could even enter the UEFA Cup as Spain's
cleanest side in UEFA's draw for the last fair-play spot next Tuesday.
Javier Aguirre's
side stay three points clear of Sevilla, who will now not be able to
overtake their rivals (thanks to the head-to-head record) despite a 0-2 victory
over city neighbours Betis. Luis Fabiano got his first goal in six weeks
to open the scoring, and Fazio headed a second after the restart to at least
ensure a place in the UEFA Cup. The game ended in disarray though after Arzu
and Dani Alves were sent off in a brawl later on which involved several
players.
Atlético
move level on points with Barcelona, who threw away a two goal lead to
lose 2-3 to Mallorca. Before and after the match there were strong
protests from fans against club president Joan Laporta and in favour of
outgoing manager Frank Rijkaard, who Laporta announced will be replaced by B
team coach Pep Guardiola next season. Goals from Henry and Eto'o appeared to
have set them on their way to victory, but strikes by Borja Valero, Webó
and top scorer Güiza in the last 25 minutes gave the visitors their fifth
win in a row.
Mallorca are now
only one point off the UEFA Cup spots after sixth placed Racing Santander
drew 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao. With a lot at stake it was a gritty
match with few chances for either team and a red card for a nervous Yeste at
the final whistle, but the Cantabrians thought they had done enough until
Güiza's last minute strike in the Nou Camp. Whatever the case it will be
an exciting finale, with Mallorca at home to Zaragoza and Racing hosting
Osasuna. Athletic themselves still have a chance of overhauling Deportivo for
the Intertoto spot.
Who are already
in a state of euphoria though are second placed Villarreal, who rounded
off their best ever season with a 2-0 win over Espanyol. Goals by Javi
Venta and Pires in the run up to half time were enough to finish off an
opponent who will be thankful to see the end of the season after nine matches
without a win. (11.05.08) |
