(1-0) 5' Messi, (2-0) 28' Bojan, (3-0) 62' Pedro, (1-3) 68' Kanoute, (2-3) 71' Luis Fabiano
Barcelona took a giant step towards La Liga title with a vital win which ended up being far too tight for Guardiolas liking. Having stormed into a three goal lead courtesy of goals from the boys from the cantera, Messi, Bojan and Pedro (who simply has to go to the World Cup), and with Sevilla down to ten following Konkos sending off, it looked for all the money in the world that Barca were firmly on course to the all important three points that would see them extinguish any hopes Real Madrid had of a favour from Sevilla. But two quickfire goals from Kanoute and Luis Fabiano, thanks to some quick thinking from Zokora at a free-kick, sparked the match back to life and revived hopes over at the Bernabeu.
There were some nervous moments, but Barca held out during a nailbiting last twenty minutes to place one hand on the La Liga trophy. They will surely complete the formalities against Real Valladolid next weekend, but it's not over until it's over and Real Madrid will not be giving an inch. 99 points is what it will take and I can't see any other eventuality.
Real Madrid 5 - 1 Athletic Bilbao
(1-0) 22' C. Ronaldo (p), (1-1) 40' Yeste, (2-1) 77' Higuain, (3-1) 79' Ramos, (4-1) 81' Benzema, (5-1) 88' Marcelo
It's funny how Barcelona always storm into early leads before complicating matters, whereas Real Madrid need to suffer before blowing their opponents away. Tonights match against Atheltic Bilbao followed a similar path to that at the Ono Estadi three days earlier. Poor first half showing before ratching it up a notch and providing an avalanche of late goals. After Cristiano Ronaldos penalty, which produced a ridiculous red card for Amoribieta, Fran Yestes superb winding run and shot sent the teams in on level terms. With Barca two up down in Sevilla, it looked all over for Madrid. When Sevilla brought it back to 2-3, the crowd raised the roof and their team responded. Three goals in four minutes saw Real Madrid put the game beyond doubt before Marcelo finished it off with the fifth. But there were to be no more favours from Sevilla as Real Madrid signed off their impeccable home season with muted celebrations. It was also a sad ending for Guti who produced a classy display in what will probably be his last ever match at the Bernabeu. All that remains for Madrid is to win at Malaga and hope Javier Clemente pulls a miracle out of the bag at the Camp Nou.
Villarreal 2 - 0 Valencia
(1-0) 10' Rossi, (2-0) 18' Llorente
What a turnaround Juan Carlos Garrido has completed at Villarreal since he took over. It seems a long time ago when Villarreal were flirting with the relegation zone but with this victory, thanks to early strikes from Rossi and Joseba Llorente, Villarreal find themselves with a very real chance of qualifying for the Europa League. With third place already guaranteed, Unai Emery rotated his team leaving out Villa, Mata and David Silva. Those that came in contributed to a tame, heartless Valencia performance, typical of a team that was playing only for pride.
Deportivo La Coruña 1 - 0 Mallorca
(1-0) 68' Riki
Mallorca missed a great chance to leapfrog Sevilla in their fight for the only remaining Champions League place as they fell to defeat at the hands of Deportivo. Aritz Aduriz was left to rue a flood of chances during the first half as his team were downed by a clinical finish from in-form Deportivo striker Riki. It was Depors first win in twelve as the match was also marked by the return to the field of play by Brazilian full-back Filipe Luis, four months after his horror ankle break against Athletic Bilbao. Fantastic to see him back so soon.
Xerez 3 - 2 Real Zaragoza
(1-0) 22' Francis, (1-1) 66' Herrera, (2-1) 68' Michel, (3-1) 74' Calvo, (3-2) 76' Gabi
Whatever happens next weekend, the mere fact that Xerez are still not mathematically relegated is enough to make any Xerez fan burst with pride. Nestor Gorosito is a hero in these parts having racked up 26 points in a stunning second half to the season, everyone is asking themselves: What if Ziganda had been booted out before? Shame is he wasn't, and it looks like a horrendous first half to the season will relegate the plucky Jerezanos. Real Zaragoza never looked flustered in a game full of chances, as even a defeat could have seen them mathematically assured of survival. And thats how it turned out. Xerez need to win at Osasuna and hope results go their way elsewhere. An unlikely scenario but football produces miracles year in and year out. And if anyone is capable of pulling one out in Pamplona, it's GOROSITO GOROSITO!
Tenerife 2 - 2 Almeria
(1-0) 14' Bertran, (1-1) 17' Piatti, (1-2) 80' Crusat, (2-2) 93' Nino
If Tenerife stay in La Liga, Nino is the man that will have saved them. 14 goals from dimunitive frontman have been instrumental in their fight to stay in the top flight. Had Oltras men won tonight, Tenerife would have taken a huge step towards saving themselves from the drop. Goals from Piatti and Crusat obliged Nino to draw his team level with the last kick of the match, leaving 'Los Tinerfeños' tied on 36 points along with Racing Santander, Malaga and Real Valladolid. It's going to be one hell of a final day and Tenerife will have to hope Unai Emery puts out a similar side to that against Villarreal tonight.
Real Vallodolid 2 - 1 Racing Santander
(0-1) 28' Christian, (1-1) 56' Baraja, (1-2) 78' Nauzet (p)
Nerves affected what a match with little football but bucketfuls of emotion. Real Valladolid simply had to win tonight, and they did so coming from behind after Christians opener. Diego Costa earned the penalty with just over ten minutes left, that was cooly converted by Nauzet. Even so, Racing Santander still have it easier than todays opponents as they enter the final day of the season. Valladolid travel to the Camp Nou to play a a Barca side playing for the title while Racing will entertain Sporting Gijon who will be playing for little more than pride. I know who my money is on.
Getafe 2 - 1 Malaga
(1-0) 26' Soldado, (2-0) 56' Pedro Leon, (2-1) 90' Fernando
Malaga host Real Madrid in their last game of a season that requires them to beat Cristiano and company to stand any chance of staying up. Tonight they were defeated by a Getafe side who now depend on themselves to secure a spot in next years Europa League. Another goal for Roberto Soldado, who has enjoyed a crackig season when fit, and a corker from Pedro Leon were enough to sink the visitors and leave them only needing a win against Atletico next week to seal European football for 2010/2011. What a job Michel has done at the Coliseum.
Sporting Gijon 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid
(1-0) 57' De Las Cuevas, (1-1) 71' Ibra
Espanyol 2 - 1 Osasuna
(0-1) 5' Vadocz, (1-1) 49' Forlin, (2-1) 51' Osvaldo