La Liga’s title battle rumbles on as Spain’s big two win again: La Liga Round-Up and Highlights

AS.com

Real Madrid made a significant statement in their efforts to relinquishing Barcelona of their la liga title last night, after a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Osasuna at the hostile el Sadar.

Many had predicted a stern test for Jose Mourinho’s men but they brushed aside their sixth-placed hosts with relative ease. A wonder strike from Karim Benzema just six minutes into the game broke the deadlock, before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the visitor’s lead just past the half hour mark.

Gonzalo Higuain all-but finished the game give minutes before the break, although Osasuna threatened a brief fight back when Nino headed in minutes into the second half. Madrid reacted in clinical fashion however, and Ronaldo and Higuain both doubled their tallies to move los Blancos nine points clear at the top of the table.

At the Camp Nou, Barcelona responded to the gauntlet lay down by defeating a jaded-looking Athletic Club 2-0. A first half strike from Andreas Iniesta broke the deadlock before Lionel Messi finished the game with a 58th minute penalty, sending the Basque side to their fourth defeat in five league games.

Elsewhere, in-form Malaga slumped to an unexpected 2-0 defeat to Real Betis at la Rosaleda as first-half goals from Ruben Castro and Dorado proved to much for Manuel Pelligrini’s side to overcome.

At the bottom, Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon both moved closer to a drop into the segunda devision after losing relegation battles against Granada and Real Zaragoza.

Brazilian fullback Guillherme Siquera sunk Racing with a 89th minute strike at el Sardinero, leaving the home side routed to the bottom with Sporting – who lost a six-pointer against the resurgent Zaragoza.

Manolo Jimenez’s men recorded their third consecutive victory as Angel Lafita’s stoppage time goal sunk Sporting to move Zaragoza off the foot of the table, just three points from safety.

RACING SANTANDER 0-1 GRANADA

SPORTING 1-2 REAL ZARAGOZA

OSASUNA 1-5 REAL MADRID

BARCELONA 2-0 ATHLETIC CLUB

MALAGA 0-2 REAL BETIS

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Videos courtesy of Acosart and GoalsArena

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