Madrid move into second

By Andy Hall

Real Madrid CF climbed up to second in the Primera División after a 2-0 victory at Málaga CF, while a solitary goal from Michel González was sufficient for Getafe CF to impose a surprise 1-0 defeat upon Valencia CF.

Owen goal
Luís Figo fired Madrid into the lead from the penalty spot on 23 minutes after Gerardo García was adjudged to have fouled Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo shot just wide moments later before Paolo Wanchope watched his effort bobble the wrong side of the post at the other end. Michael Owen then ensured the three points with his fifth goal in six games on 78 minutes, jinking around Fernando Sanz before side-footing past Juan Calatayud.

Sevilla held
The win takes Madrid second, seven points behind FC Barcelona, after Sevilla FC could only muster a 1-1 draw against RCD Mallorca, a result that sees them slip down to fourth. Antonio López fired Sevilla ahead on 71 minutes and although Héctor Cúper's side levelled seven minutes later through a Giullermo Pereyra header, a winning goal proved elusive.

High-flying Levante
Levante UD registered their sixth win of the new campaign by defeating Athletic Club Bilbao by a single goal to move up to third. Jesule Barbadilla rifled in the only goal of the game from close range after 68 minutes to leave Athletic, who had Luis Prieto sent off, just above the relegation places.

'Worst performance'
Another side promoted from the Segunda División at the end of last season, Getafe CF, capitalised on what Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri described as his side's "worst performance of the season" to register only their third win of the season. Midfield player Michel curled a low free-kick inside the near post on 18 minutes as Valencia failed to win for the fifth successive game and dropped to seventh.

Riquelme double
Two places behind are Valencia's neighbours Villarreal CF, who sauntered to a 3-0 win against CA Osasuna. Gonzalo Rodríguez's 39th-minute effort was sandwiched by two Juan Román Riquelme goals - a 12th-minute penalty and a deft chip.

Irresistible Rodríguez
Elsewhere, Maxi Rodríguez scored two stunning goals to give RCD Espanyol a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad de Fútbol and CD Numancia remain bottom after losing by the same scoreline against Real Racing Club de Santander. A late Salva Ballesta goal salvaged Club Atlético de Madrid a point against Real Zaragoza, who had led for over 80 minutes following Savio Bortolini's second-minute strike.