Barcelona 4 ? 2 Mallorca

Barcelona resumed their winning ways with a 4 ? 2 thrashing of Mallorca. Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Dani Alves were left on the bench, which meant a start for Pedro, who's been in top notch form, and Henry, who has been going though a purple patch.

Even without their regulars, Barcelona dominated the play. After a couple of chances, they were soon ahead when Pedro scored after receiving a smart back heel from the ever enterprising Ibrahimovic. This was at the 12th minute. Two minutes later, Henry unleashed a fierce effort which was parried by goalkeeper Aouate.

Mallorca had their own chances, first through Jose Luis Marti and then through Pierre Webo, whose low drive was latched on by Valdes. But Mallorca soon succeeded when Nunes headed home Marti's corner. The goal dealt a blow to Barcelona's play and Mallorca ruled the match for the next 20 minutes.

Just before the half time, Barca got back twice the number. Pedro scored the second goal for his team (and himself). He then took a free kick which was headed by Busquet, whose header Henry fired in, thereby ending his drought.    

Second half was less eventful, even with the introduction of Messi and Xavi. Ibrahimovic missed a chance setup by Iniesta and Messi blasted over the bar. But 'Ibra' was brought down by Josemi and Barca were awarded a penalty. Messi obliged and made it 4 ? 1.

Alhassane Keita grabbed a consolation goal right at the death, but Barca saw the visitors through.

Atletico Madrid 2 ? 3 Real Madrid

It was the fierce Madrid derby, a game which Real haven't lost since the 1998/99 season. And the game turned out to be a total walkover for Real.

Kaka scored at the 5th minute from the edge of the box past keeper Sergio Asenjo, keeping up with Real's tradition of scoring early goals at the Vicente Calderon (Raul scored after 48 seconds two years ago and van Nistelrooy even quicker in the last season).

The domination continued with many chances falling their way and one finally got converted when Karim Benzema's pass found Marcelo, who fired home into the roof of the net.

Atletico stepped up their efforts and Forlan was inches away from the goal, when he hit the post at the 30th minute. Forlan fumbled again and Simao's shot, a golden opportunity to reduce the lead, was saved by Casillas just before half time.

Aguero came on in the second half, and Atletico did gain some momentum in their play. But Luis Perea lost the ball to Higuain on the edge of his own box and their ended most hopes of a comeback for the home side. But Madrid were soon down to ten men when Ramos saw red for his challenge on Aguero.

The ensuing free kick couldn't be capitalised upon. Casillas then blocked Ujfalusi and Santana and they finally got through when Forlan and Aguero pulled back with their goals.

The final minutes were a bit nervy for Real. Aguero had a chance to equalise in injury time, but his shot was saved by Casillas and Real held on to take home the three points and keep up with leaders Barcelona.

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