Sunday, March 30, 2008

Soccer-Primera Liga reports

MADRID, March 29 (Reuters) - Brief reports of Primera Liga matches played on Saturday:

REAL BETIS 3 BARCELONA 2

Barca looked to be cruising to an easy win when goals from Bojan Krkic and Samuel Eto'o put them 2-0 up after 15 minutes, but Betis turned the tables with a superb second half display.

Brazilian forward Edu headed Betis's first goal shortly after the hour although he missed a penalty soon after.

Spain defender Juanito made it 2-2 moments later with a stunning volley on the turn and Edu clinched an unlikely win with a great strike 12 minutes from time. - - - -

VILLARREAL 3 ATLETICO MADRID 0

Villarreal took full advantage of Barcelona's slip-up to take second place in the standings with a high-class display against a shoddy-looking Atletico.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla put the home side ahead when he drilled the ball into the net late in the first half.

Nihat Kahveci made it 2-0 before the break when he poked in at the far post after a slick passing move and completed the rout with a pinpoint finish midway through the second half.

Playing on Sunday (kickoffs 1500 GMT unless stated):

Almeria v Levante

Deportivo Coruna v Real Murcia (1700)

Getafe v Osasuna

Espanyol v Racing Santander

Real Madrid v Sevilla (1900)

Recreativo Huelva v Athletic Bilbao

Valencia v Real Mallorca

Valladolid v Real Zaragoza (Reporting by Simon Baskett, editing by Ken Ferris)