Kaka saves Real Madrids blushes as they close on Barcelona (Highlights)

Real Zaragoza 1 - 2 Real Madrid

(0-1) 50' Raul, (1-1) 61' Colunga, (1-2) 82' Kaka

Kaká and Raul rose like phoenixes from the flames to reignite Real Madrids title challenge, just when it looked to have burned out at La Romareda. Both had only just returned from lengthy injuries and who knows just how important their contributions against Real Zaragoza will be. Rauls goal typified a career that has spanned 16 years and 228 league goals (now third in the all-time list) as he struck only moments after having asked to be subbed, limping as he raced into the area to slot in just after half-time. How Real Madrid will need to display the same drive and determination in their dogged pursuit of Barca. Just after Rauls goal, a moment of madness from Zaragoza defender Matteo Contini left his team down to ten men and Real Madrid looked home and dry.

That was until Adrian Colunga, on for Suazo, who dislocated his shoulder, raced onto an exquisite pass from Abel Aguilar to round Casillas and stroke the ball home. It was a critical moment for Real Madrid as they stared a second successive trophyless season full on in the face, until their Brazilian star jumped off the bench after two months out, collected a Cristiano Ronaldo pass and slotted past the otherwise impressive Roberto. A crucial goal and a deserved victory as we enter into a possibly pivotal weekend where Barca travel to Villarreal and Real Madrid host Osasuna.

Barcelona 3 - 1 Xerez
(1-0) 14' Jeffren, (2-0) 24' Henry, (2-1) 25' Bermejo, (3-1) 55' Ibrahimovic

Barcelona jumped another fence succesfully as they overcame a spirited performance from Xerez to maintain their one point advantage over Real Madrid. It wasn't pretty but it was hugely effective as goals from Jeffren, Thierry Henry and Ibrahimovic cancelled out a stunning strike from Mario Bermejo to leave Xerez on the edge of the drop. A victory for Malaga today will surely sentence the Xerezanos to relegation. But they can take great credit for a performance that was as good as any seen by a visiting team at the Camp Nou this season, matching Barca pass for pass. Gorositos men even had chances to equalise just after half-time, but as soon as Zlatan converted a slide rule pass from Yaya Toure, the game was up. The match ended on a nasty note as Orellana and Alustiza both received red for the visitors. 7 yellow cards and 2 reds were shown to Xerez during the match. Excessive to say the least. After the final whistle the Barcelona players wore shirts pleading for extra support on wednesday as their attentions turn to their hugely important Champions League semi final second leg against Mourinhos Inter Milan.

Valencia 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña

(1-0) 33' Villa (p)

Third place secured for Unai Emerys side? David Villa scored his 15th consecutive penalty to record a deserved win for Valencia. They dominated Depor throughout and only a resolute defensive performance from Piscu and Ze Castro. At the other end of the pitch Deportivo were non-existant as Riki and Adrian ghosted through the match almost unnoticed. A promising start from the Galicians has faded badly since the halfway mark with their hopes of UEFA qualification hanging by a thread.