FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.03.2010 16:36

Spanish League Roundup Week 26

While Valencia, Sevilla, Mallorca, Deportivo and Bilbao all lost or drew, wins for Barça and Real Madrid mean that they stretch their lead at the top of the table to 18 points.

Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat trick to fire Real Madrid to a 4-1 win away to Valladolid and maintain the slenderest of advantages over Barça. Cristiano Ronaldo added a fourth. Valladolid stay last but one, a full six points away from safety.

Valencia remain third despite their defeat in the Camp Nou. They are three points ahead of Sevilla, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo. Mallorca remain in fifth pace despite being comprehensively dismissed by Getafe 3-0.

Three points separate four teams

From Sevilla in fourth place to Athletic Club Bilbao in seventh, just three points separate the four teams. A win for Bilbao away to Sporting would have boosted the Basques up to the Europa League places but in the end they had to settle for a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, down at the wrong end of the table, relegation strugglers Tenerife did themselves a huge favour with a 4-1 victory over Barcelona based Espanyol. They still occupy the last relegation place but move to within three points of safety.

Villarreal retain European ambition

Villarreal kept their European hopes alive by beating bottom club Jerez 2-0. Villarreal move to within 6 points of a European finish while Jerez are a full 12 points away from salvation.

Racing Santander fought out a goalless draw at home to Zaragoza, a result that leaves both clubs dangerously near the drop zone.

Finally, Almeria continued to perform beyond expectations. This weekend they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Malaga and sit comfortably in 10th place.

The final match of week 26 takes place on Monday evening when Atletico Madrid take on Osasuna.