Barcelona and Levante in charge in Spain
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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The status quo was preserved in the Spanish Liga this weekend, with FC Barcelona and surprise package Levante UD both picking up victories to remain in a share of the lead.
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FC Barcelona remain top of the Spanish Liga after a 1-0 victory at Real Sporting de Gijón on a weekend when the chasing pack also all won.
Josep Guardiola's titleholders were made to work hard for their victory on Sunday evening, Adriano's 12th-minute goal all that separated the sides. Alongside Barcelona on 14 points, in second only on goal difference, are surprise package Levante UD, who triumphed 1-0 at Real Betis Balompié to preserve their unbeaten record for the season.
A point adrift of the early pacesetters are Real Madrid CF, who prevailed 4-0 at RCD Espanyol thanks to a Gonzalo Higuaín hat-trick and a goal from José Callejón against his former employers. Both level with Madrid on 13 points are Málaga CF – 3-2 victors at home to Getafe CF – and Valencia CF, who on Saturday won 1-0 against Granada CF thanks to an early Sergio Canales strike.
Sevilla FC, in sixth, fell off the pace with a goalless draw at Club Atlético de Madrid. Elsewhere, Athletic Club won 2-1 at Real Sociedad de Fútbol, while Villarreal CF versus Real Zaragoza, CA Osasuna against RCD Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid's trip to Real Racing Club all ended with honours even.
