Tamudo takes Zaragoza to task

By Andy Hall

Raúl Tamudo celebrated his return from injury with a spectacular winner for RCD Espanyol at Real Zaragoza to bring the Catalan side level on points with Real Madrid CF, who drew at Villarreal CF.

'Perfect' goal
Tamudo, who had been sidelined with a hamstring tear for more than a month, finished off an incisive passing move by neatly bringing down a Dani García cross and smashing a half-volley inside the post. "You don't often see such an attractive build-up in a game," coach Miguel Ángel Lotina later reflected. "You could wait another 100 years before seeing something so perfect."

Madrid held
Madrid could only muster a goalless draw from their visit to Villarreal but remain second with 26 points, nine adrift of FC Barcelona, thanks to a superior goal difference. David Beckham hit the woodwork early on but it was the home side that dominated. However, neither Santi Cazorla, Juan Román Riquelme nor debutant Luciano Figueroa could find the target for the UEFA Cup contenders.

Unbeaten run
Sevilla FC maintained their unbeaten home run with a 2-0 win against Athletic Club Bilbao to go fifth. After a goalless first half during which Daniel Alves hit the Athletic bar, Julio Baptista opened the scoring with a rasping drive from outside the box on 53 minutes. Carlitos Domínguez soon wrapped up the scoring.

Depor draw
RC Deportivo La Coruña twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Real Racing Club Santander. Yossi Benayoun side-footed the opener on 22 minutes before Albert Luque levelled from the spot. Javi Guerrero restored Racing's lead with four minutes left but Deportivo hit back as goalkeeper Dudu Aouate was unable to hold Walter Pandiani's curled free-kick.

Atlético rise
Club Atlético de Madrid lie sixth after beating ten-man CA Osasuna 3-2. Fernando Torres and Salva Ballesta put the home side ahead before the half-hour but Valdo Lopes pulled a goal back, connecting with an Iñaki Muñoz free-kick. Gonzalo Colsa sealed the victory with an extraordinary flicked header from a corner before Osasuna's Pablo García received his second booking. Richard Morales ensured a grandstand finish when he headed in Osasuna's second on 75 minutes.

Mallorca win
RCD Mallorca also won 3-2 against CD Numancia but both remain in the relegation zone, while Levante UD's meeting with Getafe CF ended goalless.