OMEN
12-02-2007, 02:28 PM
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Iniesta: Opening goal
Barcelona have slipped four points behind Real Madrid in the title hunt after being held by city rivals Espanyol.
Frank Rijkaard's men made a positive start at Estadio Montjuic and took a deserved lead after just six minutes.
Lionel Messi tore the home side's defence apart before playing a neat square-ball that Andres Iniesta finished off at the far post.
Twice Barca came within inches of doubling their advantage when Xavi's free-kick struck the crossbar, with youngster Bojan Krkic's follow-up also hitting the frame of the goal.
The visitors were made to pay for not making their opening 45 minute dominance count when Espanyol equalised on 69 minutes.
Former Manchester City winger Albert Riera fizzed in a low ball that Ferran Corominas finished with a first-time effort.
Despite further chances for both sides to secure the win it finished all-square in the Barcelona derby.
Real Madrid bounced back from their UEFA Champions League defeat at Werder Bremen with a 3-1 win over Racing Santander at Santiago Bernabeu.
The leaders were in control from the off with Raul firing them ahead from close range just four minutes in. Real were boosted further when Sergio Sanchez put through his own net from Arjen Robben's cross.
Raul settled the contest with his second on 70 minutes with a fine free-kick, although former Real man Pedro Munitis had the last laugh, but it was no more than a consolation.
Sevilla's poor Liga form continued after slumping to a 1-0 away defeat to Almeria. Despite seeing off Arsenal in midweek they have now lost eight times in the league this season.
Their plight was hampered when Daniel Alves collected his second yellow card of the game shortly after half-time. The 10-men were unable to hang on for the draw after substitute Santiago Acasiete netted with just two minutes of the game left.
Primera Liga results:
Almeria 1 Sevilla 0
Espanyol 1 Barcelona 1
Real Madrid 3 Racing Santander 1
Sky
Iniesta: Opening goal
Barcelona have slipped four points behind Real Madrid in the title hunt after being held by city rivals Espanyol.
Frank Rijkaard's men made a positive start at Estadio Montjuic and took a deserved lead after just six minutes.
Lionel Messi tore the home side's defence apart before playing a neat square-ball that Andres Iniesta finished off at the far post.
Twice Barca came within inches of doubling their advantage when Xavi's free-kick struck the crossbar, with youngster Bojan Krkic's follow-up also hitting the frame of the goal.
The visitors were made to pay for not making their opening 45 minute dominance count when Espanyol equalised on 69 minutes.
Former Manchester City winger Albert Riera fizzed in a low ball that Ferran Corominas finished with a first-time effort.
Despite further chances for both sides to secure the win it finished all-square in the Barcelona derby.
Real Madrid bounced back from their UEFA Champions League defeat at Werder Bremen with a 3-1 win over Racing Santander at Santiago Bernabeu.
The leaders were in control from the off with Raul firing them ahead from close range just four minutes in. Real were boosted further when Sergio Sanchez put through his own net from Arjen Robben's cross.
Raul settled the contest with his second on 70 minutes with a fine free-kick, although former Real man Pedro Munitis had the last laugh, but it was no more than a consolation.
Sevilla's poor Liga form continued after slumping to a 1-0 away defeat to Almeria. Despite seeing off Arsenal in midweek they have now lost eight times in the league this season.
Their plight was hampered when Daniel Alves collected his second yellow card of the game shortly after half-time. The 10-men were unable to hang on for the draw after substitute Santiago Acasiete netted with just two minutes of the game left.
Primera Liga results:
Almeria 1 Sevilla 0
Espanyol 1 Barcelona 1
Real Madrid 3 Racing Santander 1
Sky