Osasuna 0-0 Barcelona

Barcelona's indifferent beginning to their La Liga campaign continued as they were held to a 0-0 draw by resolute Osasuna on Sunday. The draw means that after just three games in the new season, Barcelona already trail leaders Real Madrid by four points.

Barcelona appeared lifeless for much of the game and only got their first shot on goal after 14 minutes when Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure took a shot on goal from way out. The shot was well wide and did not pose any threat to Osasuna goal.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard had opted to give the first start to Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos, who is being called as the wonder kid by world press. Giovani was in the action early on crossing for Thierry Henry on nine minutes, but the cross was not accurate enough.

After the quarter hour mark Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta had a nice interplay that eventually resulted in Henry taking a shot on goal. But the former Arsenal hitman was unable to direct his shot on target. Barcelona were dominant in the middle of the first half, but were unable to break the deadlock, much to the frustration of their traveling fans.

On 35 minutes Giovani had a chance to put the Catalans ahead, but his clever shot was blocked by Ricardo. On the opposite end of the pitch Osasuna had a chance to break the deadlock as Javier Portillo snatched the ball off Lilian Thuram and unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the area only to see it flash wide off the post.

Javi Garcia had a great chance just after the break, but Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes managed to keep him out. Rijkaard made a stunning move on 65 minutes replacing Ronaldinho with Xavi. The Brazilian ace as well as the fans were shocked by this substitutioon.

Gianluca Zambrotta  was replaced by Oleguer, who had a great start as he sent a cross in the penalty area on 67 minutes, but the Osasuna defense was alert to avert the danger. Xavi then had a shot on goal on 77 minutes, but failed to trouble the keeper.

Giovani was replaced by Bojan Krkic late on and could have sealed the game for Barcelona, but was unable to control the ball in the penalty area in injury time. The draw means Barcelona are in the fifth place with five points from three games, while Osasuna are in the 13th spot with two points from as many games.

Barcelona next take on Sevilla, while Osasuna face Real Zaragoza.

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Sevilla 4-1 Recreativo Huelva

Sevilla demonstrated great composure in an emotionally charged match as they overcame Recreativo Huelva 4-1 on Sunday. This was the first game at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan following the tragic death of Antonio Puerta.

The 22-year-old Puerta had collapsed during the opening match against Getafe on August 26 and had died at the hospital three days later. The UEFA Cup champions' began in spectacular fashion against Recreativo and were the more attacking team during the first half.

Coach Juande Ramos gave Daniel Alves his first full match of the new season, while Arouna Kone was on the bench for this game. Kone was a record signing for Sevilla from PSV Eindhoven. 

Alexander Kerzhakov and Fredi Kanoute were the heroes for Sevilla as they netted two goals each in the game. Kerzhakov started the rout just 12 minutes into the game as he latched onto a rebound off the palm of Recreativo Huelva keeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Seydou Keita came close to doubling Sevilla's lead four minutes later, but his header off Sergio Duda's free-kick hit the cross bar. Kanoute was then played through by Alves on the 34th minute and he rounded Sorrentino before tapping the ball into an empty net.

For Recreativo, Javi Guerrero had the only chance in the first half, but his long range effort late in the first period was well wide. Seven minutes after the break, Kanoute tripled Sevilla's advantage when he shot home from an Alves free-kick. Kanoute was then replaced by Kone.

Aitor pulled one back for Recreativo when Sevilla failed to clear a corner allowing Silvestre Varela to send through a cross on 55 minutes. However Sevilla had a chance to get their fourth goal when Kone was brought down by Martin Cacere. Kerzhakov failed to convert the penalty sending his shot over the bar.

However he made up for the miss in no time as he put in Navas' cross on 75 minutes. Sevilla tried for a fifth and Khalid Boulahrouz came close, but was unable to find the target.

The win leaves Sevilla at the second spot on the La Liga table with six points from two games, while Recreativo are on the 18th spot with two points from three games.

Sevilla next take on Barcelona at the Nou Camp, while Recreativo face off against Espanyol.

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Racing Santander 1-0 Levante

Racing Santander registered their first victory of the new La Liga season as they beat a hapless Levante 1-0 on Sunday at the Estadio El Sardinero. The loss means that Levante are yet to get their first win in this year's Premira Liga after three games.

Racing opted to start with record signing Congolese striker Mohamed Tchite, who came in from Anderlecht. Ebi Smolarek started on the substitutes bench for the home side. Mathieu Berson recovered in time from gastroenteritis to take his place in the Levante starting line-up, but Shota Arveladze was unavailable due to minor knee surgery.

The first chance of the game fell to Mohamed Tchite on 15 minutes, but his right-footed drive went well wide off the post. Bortolini Savio responded almost immediately for Levante with a strong header, but helplessly watched it sail over the crossbar.

For Racing the next chance fell to Gonzalo Colsa as he shot from the edge of the six-yard box, but again was found wanting in the finishing department. Racing finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a shot from Pedro Munitis who tapped in from 12 yards out.

Levante goalkeeper Marco Storari had no chance of stopping the drive. Levante responded almost immediately, but Damiano Tommasi's long-range effort was well-wide.

Levante`s Gomez Juanma sent in a free-kick late in the second half, but Mustapha Riga`s header was blocked by Racing keeper Antonio Tono. Tchite came close to doubling the home side's advantage, but Storari comfortably collected his header.

Smolarek came off the bench late in the second half and tested Storari with a 18-yeard shot, which was parried away by the latter.

The win takes Racing to the 7th position on the La Liga table with five points from three games, while Levante have bottomed out with one point from three games.

Racing take on Athletico Madrid this weekend, while Levante face Athletic Club Bilbao in their next fixture.

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Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 Real Betis

Deportivo La Coruna recorded their first win of the 2007-08 La Liga season as they overcame a stiff challenge from Real Betis at the Estadio Riazor on Sunday. Andres Guardado was the hero for Deportivo as his lone goal was enough to decide the match.

The first real chance of the game fell Deportivo's way and Guardado made no mistake as he put the ball beyond Ricardo in the Betis goal just nine minutes into the match. Deportivo had a golden chance to double their lead when Sergio Gonzalez's corner found Joan Verdu, but the midfielder was unable to control the ball.

Jose Mari responded almost immediately for Real Betis, but his header was unable to beat Dudu Aouate in the Deportivo goal. On 30 minutes Guardado had another chance, but his header flew wide off the post. The Mexican international had another chance on 35 minutes, but his excellent free-kick was saved by Ricardo.

Ricardo was the busier of the two keepers and was called into action again on 40 minutes as Guardado continued to pose a threat to Betis. However Ricardo held on to deny the midfielder. In the second half Riki tested Ricardo, but the Portugal keeper made a fine reflex save. Jesus Capi tried his luck from the edge of the box minutes later, but was unable to find the target.

Verdu again had a chance to double the home side's advantage, but his shot hit the post. Fernando tried to equalize for Betis and his shot forced a save from Dudu late on.

Deportivo La Coruña are in the 11th spot on the La Liga table with four points from three games, while Real Betis occupy the 15th spot with 2 points from three games.

Deportivo La Coruña next take on Getafe, while Betis will battle Valencia on Sunday.

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Real Madrid 3-1 Almeria

Real Madrid continued their fine start to the La Liga season as they saw off new boys Almeria 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The win makes it a perfect start for the defending champions who have shown great promise under new manager Bernd Schuster.

The defending champions made heavy weather of their match in the first half with barely a shot on goal in the first 35 minutes. In fact it was Almeria who got the first chance of the match as Iker Casillas was unable to find Sergio Ramos with his throw. Uche intercepted, but was unable to capitalize on it. However the game appeared to come to life after 35 minutes and Real scored off virtually the first chance that they got.

Almeria goalkeeper David Cobeno indirectly contributed to the first goal as he tipped a Raul shot to the inside of his goal post. The rebound was smartly put away by Javier Saviola to ease the nerves at the Bernabeu.

Real made two quick changes after the break with Royston Drenthe and Higuain coming on for Robinho and Gabriel Heinze. But it was Almeria who did all the running in the second half and were unlucky to have a Kalu goal ruled offside in the 54th minute.

Albert Crusat was sent off in the 62nd minute for a foul on Saviola at the edge of the box and Almeria's task became even harder. Wesley Sneijder took full advantage of Almeria's misfortune as he slotted home Real's second and his fourth goal of the campaign.

However the goal did not make Almeria lose heart and they pulled done back through Uche who collected Fernando Soriano's pass in the 73rd minute. However the goal was not enough as Real sealed the win in the 88th minute after Gonzalo Higuain calmly shot over Almeria keeper Cobeno.

The win takes Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga table with 9 points from three matches, while Almeria are on the 12th spot with three points from as many games.

Real Madrid next play Valladolid, while Almeria face Mallorca.

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Espanyol 1-0 Getafe

It was unmatched joy at the Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic as Espanyol marched to the first win of the new La Liga season as they defeated 10-man Getafe 1-0 on Sunday. This was the third straight match in which Getafe played with 10 men for most of the latter half.

Earlier games against Sevilla and Recreativo Huelva also saw the visitors being down to 10 men. Against Espanyol Getafe displayed guts for most of the game until Esteban Granero's dismissal in the 60th minute.

Getafe got off to a wonderful start and had most of the initial chances. In fact Ikechukwu Uche had a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead, but he was unable to outsmart Getafe keeper Carlos Kameni.

Kepa Blanco had another chance after just six minutes, but he failed to connect with Pablo Hernandez's cross. Pablo Hernandez was in the thick of things again in the 12th minute, but his shot went directly to Kameni and did not test the keeper at all.

Getafe goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri saved the day for the visitors on 26 minutes when he foiled an attack by Raul Tamudo. Luis Garcia's pass again found Tamudo minutes later, but the Getafe keeper was perceptive enough to prevent danger.

Francisco Casquero then sent a fierce shot, but Kameni was on hand to tip the ball away and keep the score locked at 0-0 for the first half. Granero was sent off on 60 minutes for an ugly foul on Luis Garcia and Espanyol took full toll of their one man advantage.

Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde sent in Ferran Corominas and Jonathan to try and score in the game and the move worked as both tested Abbondanzieri relentlessly. Getafe however held on and the game looked to be headed for a draw when Jonathan latched onto a Reira pass and slotted home in the 88th minute.

The win takes Espanyol to the 10th position on the La Liga table with four points from three games, while Getafe are languishing on the 19th spot with 1 point from three games.

Espanyol travel to Recreativo Huelva, while Getafe welcome Deportivo La Coruna next weekend.

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Valencia 2-1 Valladolid

Valencia survived a scare in their third game of the new La Liga season as they had to come from behind to defeat an unlucky Real Valladolid at the Mestalla on Saturday. Real Valladolid dominated the game for large periods of time, but had to be disappointed in the end as Valencia snatched a late winner.

Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores had opted to leave out David Villa and Silva, his star forwards out of the starting line up. The effect was visible quite early on as Valencia struggled to find any coordination and get any attacks going.

Morientes found some rhythm early on as his fierce shot sailed over the bar on eight minutes. A minute later Ruben Baraja had another shot at goal, but even he was unable to keep the ball down. Then against the run of play Daniel Kome gave the visitors a shock lead as Valencia defence failed to clear their lines.

However Santiago Canizares could have saved this effort from Kome, but made a mess of it allowing Valladolid to surge ahead. However this lead was not to last long as Fernando Morientes equalized for the home side on 24 minutes.

Valladolid goalkeeper Ludovic Butelle failed to clear the ball from the six yard box and Morientes who was lurking around snatched the opportunity to bring Valencia on level terms. Oscar Sanchez had a chance to put Valladolid ahead just before half time, but his effort went just wide.

Jonathan Sesma Gonzalez had another chance just one minute into the second half, but his shot was well wide. Joseba Llorente unleashed a fierce scissor kick on 67 minutes and Canzeres was alert enough to tip it over the bar.

Villa and Silva came on late in the game, but were unable to make a difference until the last minute when Silva snatched a late winner. He was lucky to be around as the ball deflected off a Valladolid defender and made no mistake.

The win leaves Valencia in the third place with six points from three games, while Valladolid are on the 9^th position with four points from three matches.

Valencia next face Real Betis, while Valladolid face leaders Real Madrid this weekend.

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Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Zaragoza

Athletic Bilbao and Real Zaragoza had to be content with a point each on Sunday as both teams had plenty of chances to kill the game off. The drawn encounter in San Mames meant both Bilbao and Zaragoza are still to register their first win of the new La Liga season.

Athletic Bilbao were the first off the blocks and set the pace early on with a series of attacks on the Zaragoza goal. With strong home support, Bilbao surged forward regularly and were rewarded in the 10th minute itself when 19-year-old midfielder Markel Susaeta scored off a wonderful free-kick.

Asier Del Horno also proved to be a constant threat to the Zaragoza goal, but the home side were disappointed in the 16th minute when Gabi sent a sweet pass through to Diego Milito and the Argentina striker coolly slotted the ball home past a helpless Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz.

Athletic continued to attack and could have gone ahead on 31 minutes with a free kick from Pablo Orbaiz, but Llorente could not connect with the ball and squandered away the chance. Susaeta then sent a through pass to Aritz Aduri whose effort was blocked well by the keeper.

Pablo Aimar proved to be a constant threat to Bilbao and on 41 minutes he sent in a fine cross only to find the ball pass harmlessly by. Oliveira and Gabi were dominant after the break and forced Bilbao keeper Gorka to make timely saves. Milito came close to giving Zaragoza a lead on 66 minutes, but his shot was again saved by Gorka.

Susaeta and Fernando Amorebieta had fine chances to put their team ahead, but both were unable to find the target late on.

Athletic Bilbao are on the 17th spot on the La Liga table with 2 points from three games, while Real Zaragoza are on the 16th spot with two points from three matches as well.

Athletic Bilbao next travel to Levante, while Real Zaragoza welcome Osasuna over the weekend.

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Murcia 1-1 Athletico Madrid

Newly-promoted Real Murcia continued to impress in this La Liga season as they held Athletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw at home on Sunday. Atletico Madrid's disappointing start to the new season seems to be continuing as they were unable to finish off the game at the Nueva Condomina.

Atletico have garnered just one point from their two matches against Real Madrid and Real Mallorca so far and they could only double their tally at Murcia. Both sides looked shaky in the first half, but the visitors took the lead in the 14th minute through Sergio Aguero who slotted home a close range effort.

Ivan Alonso had a chance to equalize for Murcia on 30 minutes, but his shot from six yards was not able to beat Atletico goalkeeper Leo Franco. Both sides continued to look shaky for the rest of the half, but it was the home side who started off well after the break.

Murcia striker Fernando Baiano burst into the Atletico penalty area and his shot forced a fine save from Franco. Atletico substitute Jose Antonio Reyes could have put the visitors ahead 2-0 in the 48th minute, but he failed to capitalize on a defensive mistake.

Cesar Arzo's header in the 63rd minute just brushed over the crossbar and Murcia began to look increasingly desperate. However they got their equalizer on 80 minutes as Francisco Gallardo latched onto a Richi cross and scored effortlessly.

Simao Sabrosa had a late chance to kill the game off, but his header flashed wide and both sides settled for a point each.

Atletico Madrid are on the 14th spot in the La Liga table with two points from three games, while Murcia are on the sixth spot with five points from three games.

Murcia next face Villarreal, while Atletico square off against Racing Santander on Sunday.

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Mallorca 0-1 Villarreal

Kahveci Nihat came off the bench to score his first goal for Villarreal who bounced back from the 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Real Madrid with a gritty win over Mallorca on Sunday.

In a keenly contested match which saw both the teams create chances, Nihat's goal eight minutes from time was enough for Villarreal as they continued their impressive run of 10 wins in 11 matches after a brief blip in the 5-0 defeat to Madrid.

The hosts tried to maintain their good start to the season and were the first to come close to score in the 11th minute when Jonas Gutierrez drove a right-footed shot  from 20-yards out but saw his attempt parried away by keeper Sebastian Viera.

Daniel Guiza managed to beat Viera three minutes later but his shot crashed against the post leaving the hosts frustrated. Villarreal were struggling to get their bearings right as Mallorca once again had an attempt on target through Fernando Navarro but his shot was easily saved by Viera.

Villarreal's first real chance of the match came a minute before half time when Miguel Moya managed to keep out Giuseppe Rossi's shot from 25 yards out. The visitors came out attacking in the second half and Robert Pires saw his shot fly over the bar from inside the area while Moya was pressed into action to deny Javi Venta's long range shot.

With time running out, it looked like both the teams would be sharing the points before Villarreal struck in the 82nd minute. Matias Fernandez was fouled 25 yards out by Sergio Ballesteros and Nihat stepped up to take the free kick. The substitute then hit a curling shot with his right foot that sneaked inside the left-hand post of Moya leaving Mallorca heartbroken.

The hosts pushed ahead in search of an equalizer and nearly got it in the final minute of the match when Guiza put the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled out as offside, leaving Mallorca empty handed.

The win sees Villarreal move to the fourth position with 6 points from 3 games while Mallorca drop down to eighth with 4 points.

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