Sunday, March 1, 2009

Liga round-up

Liga round-up
Real Madrid have closed the gap on Liga leaders Barcelona to just four points after easing past Espanyol 2-0.

While Barca have dropped points in recent weeks, Juande Ramos' Real side have gone from strength to strength.

Espanyol shocked Barca last time out, but there was to be no repeat from Mauricio Pochettino's troops.

Real were not at their free-flowing best but managed to get their noses in front through substitute Guti on 67 minutes.

The contest was settled just moments later when veteran striker Raul stroked home to secure the three-point haul.

Sevilla continued their good Liga form after coming from behind to win 2-1 at Athletic Bilbao.

Although the visitors started the better of the sides it was Bilbao who forged ahead when Andres Palop failed to keep out Igor Gabilondo's low shot.

However, Sevilla were not to be denied and a superb double from ex-Spurs striker Fredi Kanoute ensured the visitors claimed the points.

Kanoute firstly controlled Aquivaldo Mosquera's cross from the right before slamming the ball home past Riveiro Armando on 39 minutes.

The Mali international was in stoppable form and he wrapped up the contest just before the hour mark when he latched onto Romaric's through-ball before drilling home into the bottom corner of the net.




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