Poor results again for
Spanish sides in Europe, with Real Madrid dumped out of the Champions League
after a 1-1 draw against Olympique Lyon, and the two participants in the Europa
League being held to home draws. Cristiano Ronaldo did give Pellegrini's side
hope with his seventh goal of the tournament, but Lyon equalised later on to
leave Madrid out of the competition at the first knock-out stage for the sixth
year in a row. Later in the week Atlético Madrid were held 0-0 by ten
man Sporting Lisbon, and Valencia drew 1-1 against Werder Bremen, Mata getting
an important equaliser despite having had Banega sent off earlier on.
A low scoring weekend in the
league, at least until the last two games on Sunday when Argentinian
internationals Messi and Higuaín helped themselves to hat-tricks in
their respective fixtures. Messi's three all came in the second half against
third placed Valencia, and Higuaín got his after Cristiano Ronaldo had
opened the scoring at Valladolid. None of our other Pichichis were able to
score, although Nino and Jurado make it in to the chart this week, the Tenerife
striker netting twice against Espanyol on Sunday evening and the
Atlético midfielder scoring the only goal against Osasuna on Monday.
(15.03.10) |