Weekend Results

La Liga

Real Madrid 4-2 Valladolid

For a few minutes it looked like the floundering Valladolid was going to make a comeback against Madrid- they drew to within a point of Real before Real sealed the deal with their 4th goal from Higuain(79'). Veteran striker Raul had a red-letter day, netting the first two goals for Real (14', 18'). The in-between goal was scored by Marcelo (45'). Real was without 6 of its starters, but not without Kaka- at least for the whole game. The Brazilian made an appearance in the 72nd minute, taking Van der Vaart's place. I'm pretty sure all talk of "Ronaldo-dependency" can safely be put behind Real after this win.

Barcelona 0-0 Valencia

I hate to say it, but to me it looked like Barcelona was outplayed today. Although the game stayed scoreless, Barcelona stayed on the defensive for most of 90+ minutes. Messi, Pedro (Bojan 77') and Iniesta did not get much action up front. Barcelona was lucky that Valencia striker David Villa stayed on the bench, or they would have been in serious trouble. However, David Silva wreaked enough havoc for the both of them. The midfielder was on fire today, creating opportunities and almost scoring on several occasions. Ibrahimovic did not enter the game, and I'm wondering if he's injured from WC qualifiers. Barcelona looked tired and they definitely need to rest up before their mid-week CL matchup with FK Rubin Kazan

Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 Sevilla

It seems that my prediction was incorrect. Alvaro Negredo, hailed for his two goals with the Spanish nation team this week, was not able to work his magic against Deportivo. The team that gave Real Madrid it's first loss of the season is now tied for 3rd place with Deportivo. Juan Rodriguez gave Depor their goal in the 38th minute.

English Premier League

Liverpool 0-1 Sunderland

Liverpool lost a controversial game today- a shot by Sunderland's Darren Bent deflected off of a beach ball on the field and zoomed past Pepe Reina to give Sunderland a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The shot came five minutes in. This is Liverpool's fourth loss of the season, and they were also without star striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard.

Manchester United 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Man U reclaimed the top spot in the standings this weekend with their win over Bolton. Zat Knight of Bolton opened the scoring for Man U with an own goal in the 5th minute, followed by Antonio Valencia of Man U in the 33rd with his first Premier League goal. Bolton responded weakly with a goal in the 75th from Matthew Taylor, but the drive was not enough to silence Man U.

Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa

Richard Dunne and James Collins scored for Villa this weekend, who came from behind after Didier Drogba netted a shot for Chelsea just 15 minutes in. Chelsea have relinquished their top spot and now sit in 2nd place, just one point behind Man U.