Villarreal have reconquered the third
position in the Spanish Primera Division with a win over Athletic de
Bilbao, while title defenders Valencia only just managed to take a point
against Zaragoza.
Villarreal broke the deadlock after only twelve minutes through José
Mari, but Ezquerro levelled for Athletic de Bilbao ten minutes later. A
second goal from José Mari in the 32nd minute, turned out to be too much
for the Basques to reply to, and the Uruguayan Diego Forlan decided the
match with his goal for 3-1 in the 57th minute.
Earlier, Valencia rescued a point with two late goals at Real Zaragoza.
The hosts had taken the lead through Generelo just before the break, and
David Albelda was unfortunate in the 49th minute, putting the ball past
his own goalkeeper.
But in the 81st minute, the Valencians came back with a goal from
Corradi, and Caneira levelled four minutes later (2-2), not long before
receiving a second yellow card.
In San Sebastian, Real Sociedad did manage to hold on to a 2-0 lead
against Osasuna. Uranga scored the opening goal in the 42nd minute, and
Valery Karpin doubled the lead in the first minute of the second half.
On Sunday, Liga leaders FC Barcelona will be hosting Real Betis at Camp
Nou, for this week's top clash, while Real Madrid are to visit
relegation candidates Albacete. |
