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Los Blancos have reacted angrily after the Fifa president made fun of the Portuguese during a debate at the Oxford Union
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Real Madrid have sent a letter to Sepp Blatter demanding that he apologises to Cristiano Ronaldo over comments he made regarding the forward in a recent speech.
The Fifa president, 77, discussed the merits of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during a debate at the Oxford Union in which he suggested the Portuguese cared more about his image than his efforts on the pitch.
He said: "Leo’s a good lad. Every father or mother would like to have at home. He’s a good man, very fast and he’s not exuberant. He’s a kind man, he’s a really good boy.
"The other [in reference to Ronaldo], is a commander on the field of play.”
Blatter then proceeded to march across stage mimicking the movements of a military parade in a bid to make fun of Ronaldo before concluding with another jibe at the Madrid star.
"One spends more at the hairdresser’s than the other, but I can’t say who is better. I like them both, but I prefer Messi."
Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of his side's clash with Sevilla on Wednesday and revealed his disappointment at the comments, while praising Ronaldo's continued professionalism.
He said: "I know that our President has sent a letter to Fifa.
“This is a lack of respect towards a player who is very serious and very professional. I agree with the president.
“I have not spoken with Cristiano about it. He trained very well, as usual I think that it demonstrates that in every game, he is a great player.
“He is serious, professional and respects everyone. He has to continue like this and nothing more.”
The news comes after both Messi and Ronaldo were named on a 23-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or on Tuesday.
La Liga Wrap: Barcelona extend run, Espanyol held
30 October 2013
Barcelona maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.
Gerardo Martino's men picked up where they left off in their 2-1 Clasico win over Real Madrid on Saturday as Barca produced a fine performance to move four points clear at the top of La Liga ahead of Atletico Madrid, who face Granada on Thursday.
Alexis Sanchez gave Barca the lead after just nine minutes in what was his 100th appearance for the club, Celta goalkeeper Yoel parrying Cesc Fabregas' shot straight into the path of the Chile international, who slotted in from point-blank range.
Celta created chances throughout, but Barca put themselves in control three minutes into the second half as a long-range effort from Fabregas bounced off the bar before deflecting off the unfortunate Yoel and into the net.
Fabregas was at the centre of the the majority of Barcelona's attacks, and it he wrapped things up six minutes later when he powered home at the near post after being played through by Lionel Messi.
Barcelona's city neighbours Espanyol missed the chance to move into the top six as they were held to a goalless draw by Malaga.
Javier Aguirre's men were fortunate not to fall behind just before the interval, as Malaga duo Roque Santa Cruz and Eliseu both hit the woodwork.
However, despite those opportunities, the visitors will have been relieved to have taken a share of the spoils, with only a fine save from Willy Caballero preventing Espanyol striker Sergio Garcia from giving the hosts all three points four minutes from time.
The result leaves Bernd Schuster's side without a win in five matches.
Ronaldo hits out at Blatter comments
30 October 2013
Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted angrily to comments made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter on the differences between him and Lionel Messi.
Prior to Tuesday's announcement of the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or - which included both Ronaldo and Messi - Blatter said in a speech at Oxford University that the Barcelona forward was "a good boy that every father, every mother would like to have at home".
Referring to Ronaldo, Blatter went on to say that "one has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other" before concluding: "I like both of them, but I prefer Messi."
The Real Madrid and Portugal star has now responded to these comments, stating that they demonstrate Blatter's feelings towards him, his club and his country.
"This video shows clearly the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, for my club and my country," the 28-year-old wrote on his official Facebook page.
"Much is explained now. I wish Mr Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favourite teams and players."
Real earlier called for Blatter to clarify his comments, with coach Carlo Ancelotti describing the remarks as "disrespectful".
Messi has been named the world's best player for the last four years, with 2008 winner Ronaldo finishing runner-up on three of those occasions.
Blatter apologises for Ronaldo remarks
30 October 2013
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to Cristiano Ronaldo regarding comments made about the Real Madrid forward.
Blatter came under fire from the Portugal international, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez after he stating a preference for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi during a speech at the Oxford Union.
The Swiss described Messi as "a good boy that every father, every mother would like to have at home" when asked to compare the two players, who are in contention for the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Blatter claimed that Ronaldo "has more expenses for the hairdresser", before declaring: "I like both of them, but I prefer Messi."
However, the 77-year-old has now moved to calm the furore, insisting that did not intend to show disrespect to Real or Ronaldo.
"I want to clarify that for me Cristiano Ronaldo is at the same level as Messi and they are both outstanding players, each in their own way," Blatter said in a letter to Perez, posted on the club's official website.
"I'm very sorry that this situation has hurt you (Ronaldo) so much and I apologise for it.
"It was never my intention to embarrass or disrespect Real Madrid CF, or one of their players or their fans."
Pepe Mel has explained why he and Real Betis captains Nacho and Jorge Molina spoke with ultras at training this week.
The club are enduring a difficult moment in La Liga after dropping into the relegation zone following a run of just one win from the last six played, compounded by Sunday’s 5-0 defeat Atletico Madrid.
The team’s return to training on Tuesday saw a mixed reception from around 200 fans in attendance, whilst the Coach and team captains Nacho and Molina notably met with a group of the club’s ultras to talk through the current crisis.
“A club employee told me that some fans wanted to talk to the captains and I said that they could not,” explained Mel to reporters today.
“They insisted, because if not, they said they would stop training. So we decided to talk.”
Betis are preparing for Thursday’s visit of Levante.
“We have tried to return to the beginning to see what worked and what style of play we had. We have seen our mistakes, we dedicated much of training yesterday with the dressing room. That is what we are concerned with and that we must fix.
“The culprit is the coaching staff because the team has been poor, we must find the mistakes and provide the means, everything else is just words and they do not win games.
“What happened yesterday is yesterday and not tomorrow. The fans have asked them to give it their all on the field tomorrow and of course they will.
“We care what happens tomorrow and not yesterday, which does not matter and that you cannot change.
“What I want is to talk about Levante, which will provide us with our bread. Words do not win games. What matters is what happens tomorrow and I am confident in the players.”
Diego Simeone has claimed that he is not interested in individual awards after he wasn’t named in the FIFA Coach of the Year list.
The Argentine tactician was omitted from the list of 10 names, but has claimed he just wants to do well for Atletico Madrid, starting tomorrow against Granada.
“I've always said, I do not look for credit in different places, I just try to do good in the eye of the people who employ me,” he told a Press conference.
“I have to continue working with my team, with my players, trying to do my best for the club, which is what matters most to me.
“Tomorrow we have a tough game, hard, against an opponent that has changed their system.
“They are a team that comes with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, we will have to give our best to take what we want.
“The game against Granada last season was tough, they greatly complicated it with the intensity with which they came out. Tomorrow I imagine the same scenario.
“It is not easy to keep playing with the same intensity with which we have been doing. The 'professors' are working well, the medical staff too, and the players are also trying to recover in the same way."
Simeone then commented on Diego Costa’s decision to play for Spain, not Brazil.
“I never influenced him personally and collectively he was always influence by what the team needed. Surely this will give him more peace of mind to focus on what he has to do for the future with the Spanish national team and with us, to keep doing the same.
“Decisions are decisions. When one makes a decision, he has already evaluated the reason to take it. Those who think and look from outside are not taking this decision.
“Diego has shown what he wants and now he has to keep giving everything every day.”
La Liga Wrap: Real Madrid trounce Sevilla, Almeria get first win
31 October 2013
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 7-3 win over Sevilla, while Almeria got their first win of the season at Valencia.
Two goals on Gareth Bale's first La Liga start at Santiago Bernabeu and a penalty from Ronaldo gave Real a 3-0 lead by the 32nd minute on Wednesday as the hosts looked to be cruising to victory.
Sevilla found another gear, however. Ivan Rakitic converted a penalty won by Diogo Figueiras in the 38th minute and the visitors capitalised on lax defending two minutes later as Carlos Bacca added a second.
Karim Benzema grabbed Real's fourth before Ronaldo scored his second of the game in the 60th minute, but there was still plenty of drama to come as Rakitic doubled his tally for the match three minutes later.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute and although he gave away a penalty, Rakitic put his effort over the crossbar before Stephane M'Bia received his second yellow card.
Benzema wrapped up the scoring with 10 minutes to go as Real won La Liga's first 10-goal match in 46 years.
Valencia's recent troubles continued as they suffered a third successive league defeat, this time losing 2-1 at the hands of last-placed Almeria.
Jonas gave Miroslav Djukic's men a 33rd-minute lead from the penalty spot before Almeria hit back.
Marco Torsiglieri equalised just after the hour mark before Aleix Vidal struck in the 70th minute to give the promoted club their first win of the season in their 11th match.
Real Valladolid came from two goals down at home to salvage a 2-2 draw and deny Real Sociedad a third consecutive domestic win.
Highly-rated French winger Antoine Griezmann broke the deadlock in the 16th minute before grabbing a second early in the second half, but the hosts turned the game on its head with two goals in two second-half minutes.
Daniel Larsson pulled one back in the 76th minute and, less than 120 seconds later, Valladolid drew level as Javi Guerra notched his sixth La Liga goal of the season to earn a point.
Ten-man Osasuna moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano, who dropped into the bottom three as a result.
Oier and Oriol Riera gave Osasuna a 2-0 lead by the 13th minute, with Roberto Torres scoring his side's third of the match just before the hour mark.
Miguel de las Cuevas received a straight red card soon after and although Alex Galvez did pull one back, it was not enough as the hosts held on for the win.
Brilliant Bale a team player, says Ancelotti
31 October 2013
Gareth Bale had a breakout game on Wednesday, but it was the Welshman's linking with his team-mates that pleased Carlo Ancelotti most.
Bale scored twice on his full La Liga debut at the Bernabeu and set up two of Cristiano Ronaldo's three goals in Real Madrid's emphatic 7-3 win over Sevilla.
Karim Benzema also had a fruitful night, scoring twice as Real closed to within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
"Karim (Benzema) played well as his teammates did, however, the most important thing is Bale, Cristiano a Benzema combined very well tonight," Ancelotti said.
"Bale scored and assisted as well and their combination was really good.
"Benzema scored twice and, moreover, he was important in the team play.
"I think all three of them were very dangerous."
Bale scored the first two goals of the evening before Ronaldo slotted a penalty to make it 3-0.
Sevilla hit back with two goals in as many minutes to cut the deficit to 3-2 at the break before Real showed their class in the second half.
"The game has been kind of strange, a little bit crazy," Ancelotti said.
"We had started very well but after we got to 3-0 we lost a little bit of concentration and balance.
"After (half-time) we scored a lot of goals and we have had many good individual performances, but we missed a little bit of balance and we have to work on it because when we're winning 3-0, we should be more careful to avoid problems."
La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Espanyol
31 October 2013
Espanyol will attempt to address a wretched record in the Catalan derby against leaders Barcelona on Friday at Camp Nou.
The city rivals meet with Liga champions Barca in imperious form as Gerardo Martino's target an astonishing 21st successive home league win, a run that continued with a 2-1 Clasico success last weekend.
Couple Barca's dominance in front of their own fans with the fact that Espanyol have left Camp Nou victorious just once in the last three decades, a 2-1 win in February 2009, and the odds of an upset appear slim at best.
Barcelona supporters, though, will need no reminding of how Espanyol can inflict misery on their neighbours.
A 2-2 draw between the two sides at Camp Nou in the penultimate game of the 2006-07 season, sealed by Raul Tamudo's 90th-minute effort, ultimately handed Real Madrid the title by virtue of a superior head-to-head record.
Recent encounters, however, have been dominated by Barca, who have kept a clean sheet in six of the last eight Liga encounters between the rivals.
Indeed, the statistics surrounding Barcelona continue to make impressive reading.
Unbeaten in competitive action since being dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by eventual winners Bayern Munich in May, and having suffered just two Liga defeats in 2013, Barca will be hoping to take full advantage of playing 24 hours before the likes of Real by cranking the pressure up with another victory.
Defender Adriano is a doubt for Barca after he suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday's 3-0 win at Celta Vigo.
Espanyol head to Camp Nou determined to avoid a fourth successive away defeat and keen to build on the midweek goalless draw with Malaga.
A run of one win in six league games has unravelled what was a promising start to the season for Javier Aguirre's side up until mid-September.
The form book and recent history may point to a straightforward Barca victory, but Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla insists his team-mates are capable of upsetting the odds.
Casilla said: "We all know how important the derby with Barcelona is. We will go to Camp Nou and try to go all out.
"We'll have to play with intensity and try to stay focused for the entire 90 minutes.
"It's not going to be easy but it won’t be impossible. I have total respect for the Barca players, but I am not afraid of them.
"If you're scared of playing against Barcelona then you might as well stay at home."
La Liga Preview: Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid
31 October 2013
Asier Illarramendi has welcomed Xabi Alonso's return to action even though it could cost the former a place in Real Madrid's side.
Alonso made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in Wednesday's 7-3 triumph over Sevilla, following a five-month lay-off with groin and foot injuries, and could return to the starting line-up when Madrid face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Illarramendi has deputised in the absence of the Spain international, but acknowledges Real are a better team with Alonso fit.
"He is important for us; he has been here for a long time and has always been important," said Illarramendi.
"There will be more competition and that is good for the team and helps us all to improve. We have a match every three days and we will have to rotate to get rest.
"The important thing is carry on as we are whoever plays."
Cristiano Ronaldo passed another milestone with his hat-trick against Sevilla - moving past Ferenc Puskas in the list of league goalscorers for Madrid.
The Portugal international has scored five times in four previous games against Vallecano, including a hat-trick in 2011, and has 11 goals in as many league starts this season.
Victory over Sevilla saw Madrid move back to within six points of leaders Barcelona.
However, Rayo dropped into the bottom three as a result of their defeat to fellow strugglers Osasuna.
The sides have met 20 times in all competitions, with Rayo not tasting victory in the league since 1997.
Their problems are illustrated by the fact top-scorer Alberto Bueno has only managed two league goals, both coming on the opening weekend of the season.
Only Granada have mustered a lower tally than Rayo's eight and Paco Jemez's side have also conceded 27, more than anyone in the division.
La Liga Wrap: Costa on target for Atletico, Getafe climb to fifth
1 November 2013
Diego Costa scored again as Atletico Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-1 La Liga win at Granada on Thursday.
The Brazilian-born forward – who this week declared his intention to play for Spain – continued his stunning run of form with a first-half penalty in the victory, taking his league goals tally to 12.
Granada were only denied by the woodwork in the 13th minute as Yacine Brahimi hit the crossbar following Fran Rico's corner.
Costa headed into the arms of Granada goalkeeper Roberto seven minutes later, before Recio went close at the other end.
The in-form Costa got the chance to score from the penalty spot after Mainz fouled David Villa in the penalty area, and he stroked his effort into the bottom corner to give Diego Simeone's side the lead.
Costa had two more chances to extend Atletico's advantage, but failed to score, only for Villa to wrap up the result with 12 minutes left.
The former Barcelona forward was again fouled in the area, this time by Colombian Jeison Murillo, and he dusted himself down before comfortably converting.
The winners were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time as defender Filipe Luis was given a second yellow card for handball.
And Granada set up a tense finish when Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo pulled a goal back, but it was too late for the hosts, as Atletico extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches against their opponents.
Getafe climbed to fifth with a 2-0 win at fourth-placed Villarreal, thanks to goals from Ciprian Marica and Pablo Sarabia.
Romania international Marica opened the scoring after just five minutes and a red card to Villarreal defender Pablo Iniguez in the 39th minute harmed their cause.
And although they left it late, Getafe substitute Sarabia sealed the win, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time.
Athletic Bilbao came from 2-0 down to rescue a 2-2 draw at home to Elche, extending their unbeaten home run to five matches, while Real Betis and Levante drew 0-0 after the hosts had Javi Chica dismissed in the first half.
Alexis Sanchez scored the only goal as Barcelona struggled to a 1-0 La Liga victory over city rivals Espanyol.
Despite dominating possession for large spells of the match, the leaders were frustrated by a well-organised visiting defence.
Alexis eventually broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when he tapped home from a pinpoint Neymar pass.
Barcelona have now won 21 league matches in a row on home soil and boast a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, who play on Sunday.
Gerard Pique returned from a hamstring injury but there was no place for Carles Puyol as Gerardo Martino made six changes from Tuesday’s 3-0 victory at Celta Vigo.
Espanyol made four alterations of their own, with Gabriel Torje among the players to come in.
After withstanding some early pressure from the hosts, Espanyol got a sight of goal in the sixth minute but Torje sent his eventual effort wide.
Alexis had an 18-yard strike punched away by Kiko Casilla at the other end as Barca went in search of a breakthrough.
With Martino’s men dominating possession, Dani Alves nodded the ball back for an advancing Alexis in the 28th minute, but the Chilean failed to get any purchase on a strike that was charged down in the penalty area.
The visitors could – and possibly should – have broken the deadlock against the run of play 10 minutes prior to the break. David Lopez was sent through one-on-one with Victor Valdes, only to be denied by the goalkeeper’s outstretched boot.
On the stroke of half-time, Alves exchanged passes brilliantly with Sergio Busquets just outside the penalty area before fizzing an 18-yard effort against the left-hand upright.
Barcelona continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball after the break, and Lionel Messi drew a superb diving save from Casilla in the 54th minute as he got his head to a looping Alves cross from the right.
With the hosts finding it difficult to break down a resolute Espanyol backline, Neymar created an angle for himself on the edge of the 18-yard box and curled a shot inches wide.
Barca finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute as Neymar threaded a pass through the legs of two defenders to find a grateful Alexis, who was left with a simple tap-in at the far post.
Sergio Garcia forced Valdes into a save from close range with 10 minutes left as Espanyol chased an equaliser, before Messi curled a free-kick narrowly wide late on.
Valencia boss Djukic handed vote of confidence
1 November 2013
Valencia head coach Miroslav Djukic has been given a vote of confidence by the club's owners, despite a poor start to the season.
The Mestalla club have won just one of their last five games and Wednesday's defeat to Almeria was greeted by widespread shows of dissatisfaction from the club's supporters.
Djukic's charges were booed from the pitch, while fans waved white handkerchiefs - a traditional Spanish show of dissent.
The Serb was brought in to replace Ernesto Valverde, who had guided Valencia to fifth, but they currently sit 11th in the Spanish top flight.
He also fell out with key defender Adil Rami, who was suspended for blasting Djukic's poor relationship with the playing squad and has since signed on loan for Milan.
However, the club's hierarchy have put their faith in the 47-year-old, having been through four separate coaches in the past 18 months.
"The board of directors of Valencia expresses its full support for the players, coach and coaching staff of the first team," a statement read on their website.
Djukic will hope to get back to winning ways when his side face Getafe on Sunday.
Monaco rule out Falcao January sale
1 November 2013
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has rejected suggestions Radamel Falcao could leave the club in January.
Reports have linked Real Madrid with a move for the Colombian striker after his impressive start to the Ligue 1 season, but Vasilyev has no intentions of letting his star man depart.
Falcao has hit eight goals in his first 11 games for Monaco as they remain unbeaten in the league, level on points with leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
The 27-year-old arrived during the close-season from Atletico Madrid and Vasilyev expects him to honour his contract, which is due to run until 2018.
"Falcao has signed a contract for five years and, if I must say 100 times I tell you, there is no clause that makes possible his departure," he told Marca.
"We made a great effort to get him and it did not make sense to leave it this winter, summer or at any time whatsoever."
Falcao's goalscoring exploits have already seen him rise to the top of the charts in Ligue 1, just ahead of PSG striker Edinson Cavani.
Martino defends Messi as Alexis shines on
2 November 2013
Barcelona head coach Gerardo Martino has leapt to the defence of Lionel Messi after his star attacker again misfired.
While Alexis Sanchez's 68th-minute strike was enough to hand the Catalan giants a 1-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol on Friday, Messi failed to score for the third game in a row.
As Sanchez's golden run in front of goal continued - the Chilean has now scored eight goals in seven matches in all competitions, Messi's poor form has attracted plenty of questions, although Martino remains unconcerned.
"I keep saying the same thing, I keep having to do an exclusive analysis of him (Messi) in every game," Martino said.
"He is the most important player in a team full of amazing players. He plays in his own way and offers us what he offers.
"If we keep winning, we will see the best of all of our footballers very soon."
Messi appeared to cut a forlorn figure after the match but Martino denied the Argentine was down on confidence.
"I don't think he's worried. In reality, I've seen him make the same facial expressions throughout his career. It's just a coincidence," Martino said.
"In the same way it was strange to see him score in 19 consecutive games (last season) it's also strange he hasn't scored in three games.
"Of course he would have been delighted to keep scoring two, three or four goals per game.
"He set the bar so high that now it seems as if there is a problem. But in my opinion, there's no problem."
Match-winner Sanchez added of Messi: "Leo is in the same form as always.
"He hasn't been scoring goals but he has provided assists, he has been taking on players.
"We think he's the same as always, playing very well."
It was far from a vintage performance from Barcelona but Martino was content with the way his side were able to grind out a win despite being below their best.
"In games like this you will always create chances because your opponents have run so much and they become tired," the 50-year-old said.
"We were imprecise in the final pass but we played the game the correct way, winning well against a team that did an impeccable job in defence.
"We looked to move the ball around, play triangle passes, while also playing long passes up the field. I don't think we lacked intensity when it came to attacking but we did lack continuity in pressing."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Xabi Alonso will make his first start for over five months against Rayo Vallecano.
The Spain international has been sidelined with foot and groin injuries but made a substitute appearance in Wednesday's 7-3 victory over Sevilla.
Alonso replaced Asier Illarramendi with 26 minutes remaining and is now set to feature from the first whistle on Saturday.
"I'm going to rotate, but not thinking about Tuesday's game (at Juventus)," said Ancelotti.
"I have fresh players and that's why some players who have not played against Sevilla will play.
"Xabi (Alonso) will start, I do not know whether to play 90 minutes, but he will start."
Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema all started in the thrashing of Sevilla and Ancelotti has not ruled out unleashing the trio against Real's city rivals.
"The three of them have played very well together," he added. "Tomorrow (Saturday) I will decide if they play together again. They are ok so there´s no problem."
After the setback of losing at Spanish leader Barcelona, Real Madrid responded with a ferocious victory at home where Gareth Bale finally looked to be finding his stride.
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to lose his at Madrid as the Portugal forward responded to Sepp Blatter's slight with a hat trick to keep the pressure up on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid going into the next round of games.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's games:
ALMOST THERE
Gareth Bale said he's still not 100 percent, but the world's most expensive football player certainly gave Real Madrid fans a glimpse of what to expect when he will be.
Bale scored two goals and assisted on two more in Wednesday's 7-3 win over Sevilla, the first time he's completed a full 90 minutes for Madrid.
"It's been important for my fitness level," Bale said. "Right now I have to keep getting better and work hard and I'll try to be 100 percent as soon as possible."
Cristiano Ronaldo kept pace with Atletico forward Diego Costa in the goal-scoring race by taking his league tally to 11, and celebrated with a military salute directed toward Blatter for the FIFA president's remarks that he preferred watching Lionel Messi.
Madrid plays city rival Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
FINDING HIS STRIDE
While Bale and Ronaldo are in-form, Messi is struggling to match his usual heights.
The Barcelona star looked desperate to score at the end of a 3-0 win at Celta Vigo, often overlooking open teammates in a bid to add to his league tally of eight goals.
The Argentina captain hasn't scored a league goal in more than a month, but luckily striker Alexis Sanchez has found his stride with the Chilean scoring six times so far.
Barcelona's attack hasn't quite soared under coach Gerardo Martino, but it certainly has been successful in earning 31 of a possible 33 points to lead the league. The Catalans will have a tough test on Friday with a crosstown derby at Espanyol, with Adriano is questionable to play.
FOR COUNTRY
Atletico Madrid's title charge has come on the back of striker Diego Costa's form, but now the Brazilian-born striker has the pressure of his native country threatening to strip him of his citizenship.
Brazil is threatening the action after Costa, a naturalized Spaniard, chose to play for Spain over Brazil in the buildup to the World Cup, with November's friendlies the first time he will wear the jersey of the World Cup winners.
Costa, who has scored 11 goals in 10 games, credits his experience in Spain with building him into the player he is following a trajectory that has seen him play for Valladolid and Rayo before.
Atletico may be without playmaker Arda Turan for Sunday's game against Athletic Bilbao.
IN THE DUMPS
Valencia heads into Sunday's game at Getafe reeling from three straight losses that has Miroslav Djukic's position in question.
Losing 2-1 at home to last-place Almeria has put the Serbian coach's short tenure in trouble. But Djukic is not relenting.
"At this moment we are very vulnerable but I feel the strength to continue," Djukic said. "The team isn't playing well, that is evident, but I believe I have the capacity to get us out of this."
Djukic reportedly still has the backing of the debt-ridden club, although the patience shown may not last with the club languishing in mid-table in a season without Champions League play.
Valencia will be without forward Andres Guardado and defender Joao Pereira against Getafe because of injury.
GOOD TO BE AWAY
Real Betis may be looking forward to Sunday's trip to Malaga for the chance to get away from its own fans.
The match between Andalucian clubs comes days after a number of Betis ultras were allowed into practice to harangue players and coach Pepe Mel over the poor start to the season.
Despite the ugly nature of the impromptu meeting, Mel said the talk was positive with fans re-iterating that the club cannot allow another result like the 5-0 loss to Atletico. Another defeat could provide less constructive dialogue next time, however.
La Liga Wrap: Five-star Sociedad thrash Osasuna
3 November 2013
Real Sociedad have destroyed fellow Basque club Osasuna 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday, while Celta de Vigo stunned Sevilla away from home.
Ruben Pardo was critical to Sociedad's rampant win, setting up his team's first three goals from set pieces, while Swiss striker Haris Seferovic came off the bench to create a goal and score another in a stunning performance by the home side at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta.
The victory took Sociedad to seventh on the La Liga table with 17 points, although Levante could regain that position and push Jagoba Arrasate's men back to eighth if they overcome Granada on Sunday.
While Real Madrid defeated capital city rivals Rayo Vallecano 3-2 on Saturday, it was Sociedad's triumph in San Sebastian, which stood out.
Sociedad dominated the contest with eight shots on goal, compared to Osasuna's solitary effort on target, but the hosts had to wait until just after the half-hour mark to get on the scoreboard.
Pardo's curled free-kick found the head of Ion Ansotegi and the 31-year-old central defender powered the ball down and past Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
Sociedad doubled their lead three minutes after the break when Inigo Martinez got to Pardo's corner first and sent a strong header into the roof of the net before Osasuna suffered another blow with French defender Jordan Loties sent off for a trip on Carlos Vela when the Mexican was clear through on goal.
Another Pardo delivery created Sociedad's third goal as Fernandez flapped at the 21-year-old midfielder's corner, allowing Antoine Griezmann to head home from close range.
Seferovic came on for Vela with 18 minutes remaining and made an immediate impact as he released Gonzalo Castro down the right and the Uruguayan rounded Fernandez to slot the ball into the net from a tight angle.
In the 88th minute, Seferovic completed the rout in the Basque derby, tapping home after Imanol Agirretxe and Jose Angel combined down the left.
The loss left Osasuna in 17th position, one spot and one point outside La Liga's relegation zone.
Celta took advantage of Osasuna's loss to move above the Pamplona-based club and three others to 13th after a 1-0 victory at Sevilla's Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Alex Lopez scored the only goal of the game, slotting the ball into the net after he intercepted a poor pass by Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.
In Madrid, a double from Cristiano Ronaldo saw Real win 3-2 at Vallecano, although two second-half penalties saw the home side almost snatch a draw.
In Saturday's other result, Rodri scored for Almeria as they defeated 10-man Real Valladolid 1-0.
La Liga Wrap: Atletico win again, Valencia ease pressure on Djukic
4 November 2013
Atletico Madrid cruised to their 11th La Liga win of the season by beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Sunday.
Following Barcelona's 1-0 win over city rivals Espanyol on Friday, Atletico needed a victory to move back to a point behind the champions, and goals from strikers David Villa and Diego Costa were enough to ensure their 11th success from 12 matches this term.
A positive result for Diego Simeone's men never looked in doubt, as they dominated the game at the Vicente Calderon, registering 11 more shots on goal than their visitors.
Former Barca and Valencia forward Villa broke the deadlock in the 33 minutes as he volleyed past Gorka Iraizoz after Juanfran's right-wing cross was only partially cleared.
And four minutes before the break, Costa doubled their lead with his 13th La Liga goal of the season when he ran on to a throughball, cut inside Erik Moran - who was later sent off - and slotted past Iraizoz. The strike moves him level with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring charts.
In the day's early kick-off, Valencia picked up a narrow 1-0 win at Getafe to ease the increasing pressure on coach Miroslav Djukic.
The Serbian only took over at the club during the close-season, but a run of three consecutive La Liga defeats saw criticism from the Mestalla faithful return following a poor start to the campaign.
Djukic had Dorlan Pabon to thank for the three points as the Colombian forward blasted a pin-point strike into the top corner from around 30 yards out in the 41st minute.
Elsewhere, Malaga moved four points ahead of the relegation zone after a 3-2 triumph over Real Betis at La Rosaleda, with Pepe Mel's team remaining in the bottom three.
The hosts opened the scoring after 13 minutes as Roque Santa Cruz nodded past Stephan Anderson in the Betis goal, but Joan Verdu equalised from a free-kick before the break.
Eliseu restored Malaga's lead just after the hour mark, but Jordi Figueras hit back almost immediately, only for Samu to hit the winner for Bernd Schuster's men in the 93rd minute.
A half-time blackout threatened Levante's home match against Granada and, although power was eventually restored, the visitors provided the only spark of the second half.
In the first period, Nabil El Zhar won himself a penalty, but his effort from the spot was poor and Roberto in the Granada goal saved with ease, before Lucas Alcaraz's men made them pay in second-half stoppage time.
The low-key match looked destined to end 0-0, but Piti stepped up and fired a 91st minute free-kick into the top corner from distance, moving Granada up to 11th.
Valencia have confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Vitoria Setubal defender Ruben Vezo.
Vezo, who has featured in eight of Setubal's Primeira Liga matches this season, will move to the Spanish club in January, having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical.
Until then, he will continue to be available for selection at Setubal, with the Portuguese club having also secured a 25 per cent sell-on clause.
Vezo graduated through the youth setup at the Estadio do Bonfim before making his first-team debut in the season-opening defeat to league champions, Porto.
The Portugal Under-19 international could act as a replacement for defender Adil Rami, who will join Milan on loan in January after falling out of favour with head coach Miroslav Djukic and being placed under suspension by the Liga club.
When he arrives at the Mestalla, Vezo will link up with compatriots Joao Perreira, Ricardo Costa and Helder Postiga.
