|
Barcelona reach top after overwhelming Real
11/21/2005
MADRID, Nov 20 (Reuters): Barcelona moved top of the Primera Liga after an irresistible attacking display overwhelmed arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu Saturday.
Champions Barca have 25 points from 12 games, the same as Osasuna who were held to a goalless draw at Getafe, but lead the standings with their superior goal difference.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring in the 15th minute after spinning clear of the defence following a streaking run and pass from Lionel Messi.
The 18-year-old Argentine forward, with his electric pace, was a constant handful for Real until he was substituted, and forced goalkeeper Iker Casillas to make two great saves.
Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho sealed the win with two sensational solo efforts in the 60th and 78th minutes as Barca ran away with the game.
Real midfielder Zinedine Zidane said: "We lost against a better side and there is nothing more to say about the game.
Real are third with 21 points, while Villarreal moved into fourth place on 20 after drawing 0-0 at home with Real Zaragoza, taking their unbeaten league run to eight games.
Sevilla went fifth on 20 points after beating city rivals Real Betis 1-0 in a bad-tempered Seville derby.
The home side lost defender Javi Navarro to a red card in the 24th minute but Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca put them in front from the penalty spot five minutes after the restart.
|