Real Madrid ensure they enter El Clasico neck and neck with Barca

Racing Santander 0 - 2 Real Madrid
(0-1) 23' Cristiano Ronaldo, (0-2) 76' Higuain

Real Madrid did exactly what they had to. In and out of the Sardinero with three points in the kitty, allowing them to move into El Clasico level on points with Barcelona, with a one goal advantage. They also managed to achieve goal number 100 for the season, and edged closer to that 107 league goal mark set 20 years ago. Their deadly duo account for more than half of those goals, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain, who else, scored the two goals that were enough to see off a limited Racing Santander. Cristiano won and scored a penalty halfway through the first half, but they were made to sweat before making the win safe courtesy of a glorious throughball by Guti and a routine finish from Gonzalo Higuain. It was pretty but it didn't need to be. On form you would have to label Barcelona as favourites for next weeks clash of the titans. Although we all know form doesnt count for much in games like this. With Ronaldo and Higuain around Real Madrid will always have goals in them. It promises to be a belter. 6 days of press frenzy await.

Atletico Madrid 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña
(1-0) 22' Juanito, (2-0) 56' Forlan, (3-0) 60' Thiago

What better way to prepare for Thursdays make or break clash against Valencia, than by sweeping aside a Depor side in terminal decline. Atletico Madrid didn't have to work hard for tonights victory,  but they did just what was required to warm up for their Europa League quarter final this coming week. An early goal from recalled Juanito opened the scoring after a fine cross from Simao. Diego Forlan sentenced the match just after the break, in a peacemaking act with the Vicente Calderon, before Thiago rounded things off after a Reyes-esque run from a rejuvenated Tomas Ujfalusi. David De Gea underlined how important he'll be in their chase for silverware with some stunning saves as Atletico kept a welcome clean sheet. The defence has shored up, allowing the strikers to do their job. It's all coming together nicely for Quique Sanchez Flores.

Valencia 3 - 0 Osasuna
(1-0) 47' Joaquin, (2-0) 89' Villa, (3-0) 93' Villa (p)

Valencia have third place in La Liga all but wrapped up with a tight match in the Mestalla that was made to look more comfortable by two late strikes from 'El Guaje', David Villa. The only difference between the two sides was their accuracy infront of goal, with Joaquin putting Valencia on course to three points with a deft flick just after halftime. Villa added two strikes late on, one from the spot after he was brought down by Ricardo to take his tally to 28 in all competitions. Osasuna had their chances, but were left to rue misses from Camuñas and Aranda as their early season form has deserted them as the season comes to a close.

Sporting Gijon 2 - 2 Xerez
(1-0) 13' Rivera, (1-1) 52' Bermejo, (2-1) 56' De Las Cuevas, (2-2) 79' Alustiza

Xerez just refuse to lie down and with this point in El Molinon, continue to dream of survival. Nestor Gorosito would have targeted all three before kick-off, but after seeing how the match unfolded, a point was a bonus for a Xerez side that was outplayed by Sporting, and were gifted a route back into the match after a monumental error from Rivera, who had opened the scoring earlier on and was by far the matches star performer. Regardless if they stay up or not, Xerez have salvaged a huge amount of pride from a season that was spiralling out of control under former coach 'Cuco' Ziganda.

Real Valladolid 0 - 2 Villarreal

(0-1) 9' Angel, (2-0) 59' Nilmar

Desparate times for Real Valladolid. In previous years they have scrapped and fought to remain in the Primera Division. This year they are severely lacking in fight, belief and confidence and even have their own fans on their back. The situation at the Jose Zorilla is critical after another defeat at the hands of Villarreal who hit the hosts with two suckerpunches before and after the break. The first was a scorcher from Angel, with the second a pinpoint header from Nilmar, who could well be one to watch for next season as he continues to settle into life in La Liga. Valladolid were tormented all afternoon by a familiar face as Joseba Llorente ran rings around the home defence. How they miss his goals and guile. The match ended on a sour note with Medjunanin gesticulating to the crowd in response to incessant booing and jeering, spurred on by sightings of the players out on the town between matches.

Getafe 1 - 1 Espanyol

(1-0) 27' Manu, (1-1) 50' Osvaldo

Pedro Leon for Spain? The winger can hardly do more to stake a claim for a place in the squad and is surely a safer bet than Albert Riera. Game of two halves with Getafe controlling the first half and going in at the break 1-0 up through Manus strike, courtesy of yet another assist from Pedro Leon. Espanyol came out a different side in the second half and were unlucky not to go on and win the match after Osvaldos spectacular strike from the left corner of the box. The Argentine loan signing from Bologna has been a revelation in the second half of this season.

Almería 1 - 1 Mallorca

(1-0) 4' Uche, (1-1) 87' Webo

Bojan to the double as Barca breeze past Bilbao (Highlights)

Barcelona 4 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
(1-0) 26' Jeffren, (2-0) 41' Bojan, (3-0) 58' Bojan, (4-0) 66' Messi, (4-1) 76' Susaeta

I read recently that many 'people' thought Barcelona didn't have a strong squad. Made me chuckle. Those who doubted before, can surely doubt no more. Today against Athletic Bilbao, Jeffren, Bojan, Pedro and Jonathon all got minutes. Chygrynskiy played at centre-back and Maxwell filled in out on the left wing. Not one let Guardiola down. A team challenging for the Champions League positions no less where in town. 90 minutes and four goals later, those who had questioned the strength in depth were eating their words and Pep was back to the drawing board for Tuesdays tie against Arsenal. Tonight Bojan was back to his best. Two clinically taken goals reminded everyone why he caused such a fuss when he arrived on the scene two years ago. Victor Valdes continues to put his name forward for that final goalkeeper slot in Del Bosques squad. He's got the quality, no doubt about it, but when you consider what role the third keeper usually plays during a World Cup, namely a glorified cheerleader, you suspect he might miss the cut. Lionel Messi joined the party late on with a well-taken goal to make it 26 league goals for the season. Athletic had started strongly, but once Bojan had put Barca 1-0 up, they slowly disintegrated into a disorganised mess. It happens to the best of them in the Camp Nou. So onto Arsenal, and then you know who.

Real Zaragoza 2 - 0 Malaga
(1-0) 45' Ponzio, (2-0) 75' Suazo

Slowly but surely Real Zaragoza are dragging themselves away from the bottom three, and it seems certain that La Romareda will be welcoming first division football next season. Many questioned the appointment of ex-player Jose Aurelio Gay, if for nothing else but his unfortunate surname, but the man has worked wonders, and turned around a squad that was low and confidence and staring a second straight relegation full on in the face. The winter signings have also played their part, alongside the mercurial Ander Herrera, who continues to attract the interest of Arsene Wenger. The tricky youngster would be right at home in The Emirates. Today Ponzio set Zaragoza on the road to 32 points, with a bullet from outside the box that brought back memories of Diogos screamer last week against Valencia. 'Chupete' Suazo sealed the points with a well-taken strike on the volley, as Malaga offered very little. Infact they offered nothing and they are now rooted in a relegation dogfight. Ah, and can someone please explain to me why taking your shirt off in celebration of a goal warrants a yellow card? Lunacy.

Sevilla 3 - 0 Tenerife

(1-0) 22' Kanoute, (2-0) 44' Fabiano, (3-0) 88' Jose Carlos

Sevilla finally got their Champions League push back on track with a solid victory over relegation-doomed Tenerife, who are still to register a win away from home this season. It wasn't spectacular by any means, and before Frederic Kanoute slotted in their first, there were some hairy moments at the back, but the most important thing tonight were the three points. Luis Fabiano got back into goalscoring ways with a sumptuous turn and finish, before youth team product Jose Carlos wrapped things up with a delicious free-kick. Back in business at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Europa League: Valencia 2 - 2 Atletico Madrid (Highlights)

It promised goals and it didn't disappoint. Pure entertainment from the two Spanish teams left in the Europa League, as Atletico Madrid and Valencia treated us to a feast of football in the Mestalla. The first half ended goalless after 45 minutes of end-to-end football, with Simao coming closest to breaking the stalemate with a curler which struck Cesars post, whilst David Villa had a goal ruled out for offside. Sergio Agüero was at his mischievous best, and when he broke free without a defender in sight 13 minutes into the second half, he unselfishly squared to his best bud Diego Forlán who had the simple task of tapping in. Atleti fans will have been pleased to see them celebrate the goal with a manly hug. Friends again? 

What will have really pleased Quique was a defensive performance that handled Valencias front quartet with relative comfort, bar some magical moments from David Silva that few defences in world football could cope with. And there wasn't a error in sight as Valencias equaliser came from distance, and what a goal it was. A bullet of a shot from Manuel Fernandes that flew through Raul Garcias legs and past a helpless De Gea. That guy has a sledgehammer of a right foot. Five minutes later, Atletico nudged themselves back infront, with little full-back Antonio Lopez nodding in after Dominguez had headed a corner back across goal. Two away goals that could prove priceless. David Villa got Valencia back on level terms, with a typically sharp finish after good work from young Jordi Alba and Vicente, as next weeks clash at the Vicente Calderon promises to be a classic.