Post by maxell on Nov 26, 2006 6:46:23 GMT -5
Barca make the break
Barcelona opened up a four point lead at the top of the Primera Liga after they crushed Villarreal 4-0 in Madrid.
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho went to the top of the scoring charts with a double, as the world player of the year converted a first half penalty and then put the icing on the cake with a spectacular overhead kick from close range.
Just that easy: Ronaldino enjoys the moment
They were the Brazilian's ninth and 10th goals of the season.
The hosts were always under pressure after their influential playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme missed the game opting to go to Argentina instead to attend the birth of his son.
Ronaldinho opened the scoring in the 35th minute when he converted a penalty awarded when Pascal Cygan fouled Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Gudjohnsen then added a second after 54 minutes to take his season tally to five since his summer move from Chelsea.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta, who has relegated Xavi to the bench with his good recent form, made it 3-0 with an acrobatic strike in the 70th minute.
Ronaldinho then added his spectacular second goal two minutes from time.
Ronaldinho torments the Villarreal defence
Barca lead the league by four points from Sevilla who go to Athletico Bilbao on Sunday while Real Madrid, who are a point further back, travel to Valencia and a reunion with former striker Fernando Morientes.
Sunday's action
After mixed fortunes with Monaco and Liverpool, Morientes is flying again and was on target in Wednesday's Champions League win over Olympiakos.
"Mestalla is a tough ground and Valencia haven't lost at home in a long time," said Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.
"They have very supportive fans, but we are convinced we can win, although we know it will be hard."
Valencia's recent league form has been inconsistent while Coach Quique Flores and sporting director Amedeo Carboni fell out earlier this month and star striker David Villa also had a training ground bust-up with Flores.
Villa will miss Sunday's crunch game.
They are already struggling without knee ligament victim Carlos Marchena at the back and skipper David Albelda is also on the injury list with knee trouble.
Spanish international fullback Asier del Horno is out for two months with Achilles tendon problems.
Real, meanwhile, may take a gamble on including Ronaldo in their squad although Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro is doubtful with a thigh strain suffered in the Champions League draw against Lyon.
Playmaker Guti is suspended for the match.
Barcelona opened up a four point lead at the top of the Primera Liga after they crushed Villarreal 4-0 in Madrid.
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho went to the top of the scoring charts with a double, as the world player of the year converted a first half penalty and then put the icing on the cake with a spectacular overhead kick from close range.
Just that easy: Ronaldino enjoys the moment
They were the Brazilian's ninth and 10th goals of the season.
The hosts were always under pressure after their influential playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme missed the game opting to go to Argentina instead to attend the birth of his son.
Ronaldinho opened the scoring in the 35th minute when he converted a penalty awarded when Pascal Cygan fouled Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Gudjohnsen then added a second after 54 minutes to take his season tally to five since his summer move from Chelsea.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta, who has relegated Xavi to the bench with his good recent form, made it 3-0 with an acrobatic strike in the 70th minute.
Ronaldinho then added his spectacular second goal two minutes from time.
Ronaldinho torments the Villarreal defence
Barca lead the league by four points from Sevilla who go to Athletico Bilbao on Sunday while Real Madrid, who are a point further back, travel to Valencia and a reunion with former striker Fernando Morientes.
Sunday's action
After mixed fortunes with Monaco and Liverpool, Morientes is flying again and was on target in Wednesday's Champions League win over Olympiakos.
"Mestalla is a tough ground and Valencia haven't lost at home in a long time," said Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.
"They have very supportive fans, but we are convinced we can win, although we know it will be hard."
Valencia's recent league form has been inconsistent while Coach Quique Flores and sporting director Amedeo Carboni fell out earlier this month and star striker David Villa also had a training ground bust-up with Flores.
Villa will miss Sunday's crunch game.
They are already struggling without knee ligament victim Carlos Marchena at the back and skipper David Albelda is also on the injury list with knee trouble.
Spanish international fullback Asier del Horno is out for two months with Achilles tendon problems.
Real, meanwhile, may take a gamble on including Ronaldo in their squad although Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro is doubtful with a thigh strain suffered in the Champions League draw against Lyon.
Playmaker Guti is suspended for the match.
