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Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld has claimed that Thibaut Courtois should stay at the club next season.
The Belgian goalkeeper is on loan at the Rojiblancos from Premier League club Chelsea, but his club and international teammate has insisted that the shot-stopper should stay at Vicente Calderon.
“I’m sure Thibaut doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench for eight games and then play one,” he told Sky Sports.
“He is very intelligent and I think it would be good for him to continue at Atleti where he’s number one.
“He is an incredible player. He can do whatever. He’s good with the ball at his feet and great in goal as well.
“I see him train every day, and I doubt there is a better goalkeeper than him in the world.”
We can cover Khedira absence, says Ancelotti
19 November 2013
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Real Madrid will not sign a replacement for Sami Khedira in the January transfer window.
Khedira faces a battle to play again this season and could miss the FIFA World Cup after injuring cruciate ligaments in his right knee during Germany's friendly with Italy on Friday.
However, although Ancelotti acknowledges the midfielder's absence comes as a blow, he feels there is sufficient cover in the Real squad.
"Khedira is a very important player for the team's balance. We need to find another solution," the Italian told reporters at a book launch on Monday.
"I'm sure we will be able to manage this absence, which will be significant for us.
"We have several solutions in midfield. We can select a player with similar characteristics, or change the system, because we have to play a system the players are comfortable with.
"We will not consider signing someone. I need to think about (the best course of action) because there are players we have who have not played very many minutes."
Another Real midfielder, Xabi Alonso, suffered an injury representing Spain against Equatorial Guinea.
"For Xabi, it is a knock," Ancelotti added.
"Xabi's knock was dangerous. It was a very aggressive game he was in to be called a friendly."
FIFA extend Ballon d´Or voting deadline
20 November 2013
FIFA have opted to extend the voting period for the Ballon d'Or awards following a low number of responses.
The original deadline passed on Friday, but voters now have until November 29 to make their choice, with the prize to be presented in Zurich on January 13.
As part of FIFA's decision, those who have already voted are able to change their mind.
"Due to a low number of responses from coaches and captains of the national teams as well as media representatives and in order to ensure a representative number of votes for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, the FIFA's Women's Player of the Year, the FIFA Coach of the Year and the FIFA's Women's Coach of the Year FIFA and France Football extended the deadline for the voting until 29 November 2013," said a FIFA spokesperson.
"Member Associations and media representatives who had been invited to vote on the above mentioned awards have been informed accordingly.
"Votes which had already been submitted can be changed until 29 November."
The news comes after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the favourites for the award, registered a stunning hat-trick against Sweden on Tuesday night to confirm his country's qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi, the winner of the Ballon d'Or for the last four years, is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Already shorn of the injured Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona must now plan without Víctor Valdés after the goalkeeper tore a calf muscle on national-team duty with Spain.
Víctor Valdés will be out of action for the rest of the year with a calf injury
FC Barcelona have lost Víctor Valdés for the rest of the UEFA Champions League group stage after the goalkeeper suffered a right calf muscle tear on international duty with Spain.
The 31-year-old replaced Iker Casillas in the second half of La Roja's 1-0 reverse against South Africa in Johannesburg on Tuesday, but the Barcelona No1 was later carried off in some discomfort. Returning to his club headquarters on crutches on Wednesday, Valdés underwent tests which showed a ruptured calf muscle, ruling him out for six weeks.
The news comes after Lionel Messi was sidelined for Barça's remaining Group H games away to AFC Ajax next Tuesday and at home to Celtic FC on 11 December, the forward having succumbed to a thigh tear. Gerardo Martino's side secured their place in the round of 16 following their 3-1 matchday four home win against AC Milan.
Collecting the European Golden Shoe today, Lionel Messi has revealed his intention to be back fit by January, even if he ‘won’t set a date on it’.
The Argentine’s 46 goals last term for Barcelona was enough to see him earn the Golden Shoe for a third time in his career and today he was presented with it at a ceremony in Barcelona.
Messi, who was presented the award by former Barca forward and 1989-90 recipient Hristo Stoichkov, dedicated the award to his family and teammates and commented on his continued recovery from a hamstring injury.
“Will I be back by the new year’s first game against Elche? Hopefully. The truth is that I have not set a date for my return,” Messi told reporters today.
“If all goes well then I would be back in time for then, but it all depends on how it goes. I will be back when I can, but I will not set a date to it.
“Am I targeting more Golden Boots? This is not my target or anything, not when I was well, not now either. I have to strengthen the body so that nothing happens, so I can play calmly and I can stay at my level.”
Winners since 2006
2006-07 Francesco Totti (AS Roma) 26 goals
2007-08 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 31 goals
Ronaldo 'voodoo doll' joke backfires as Pepsi are forced to apologise for train tracks poster that sparked outrage
By JOHN DRAYTON PUBLISHED: 08:56 GMT, 21 November 2013 | UPDATED: 13:00 GMT, 21 November 2013
Pepsi have been forced to apologise for viral adverts in Sweden showing a Cristiano Ronaldo voodoo doll.The adverts ran on the day of Portugal's World Cup play-off with Sweden, with Ronaldo scoring an incredible hat-trick to send his side to Brazil at Sweden's expense. In one of the adverts, Ronaldo is depicted as a doll lying on a train track under the caption 'We're going to pass over Portugal.'
Apology: Pepsi have been forced to say sorry to Cristiano Ronaldo for adverts depicting him as a voodoo doll
Bad taste? One of the adverts showed Ronaldo as a voodoo doll tied to a train track
Pin-up: Another ad showed Ronaldo's voodoo doll covered in needles ahead of the World Cup play-off
Crushed: A further viral ad showed Ronaldo's doll with his head smothered by a can of Pepsi Max
The adverts sparked outrage in the Real Madrid star's home country, with a Facebook group titled 'I'll never drink Pepsi' hitting 115,000 likes.Members of the group have responded by making their own versions of the adverts after Ronaldo's one-man show in Stockholm.The drinks manufacturer said: 'We would never want to put the sport or the spirit of competition in a negative light.'We regret if people were offended by the posts; they were immediately taken down. We would like to extend our apologies to all concerned.'Pepsi are also a major sponsor of Ronaldo's Barcelona rival, Lionel Messi.
World star: Ronaldo sent Portugal through to the World Cup with an incredible hat-trick over Sweden
Gutted: Zlatan Ibrahimovic was defeated despite netting twice in four minutes
Spanish PM Rajoy backs Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or The country's leader, a fan of Real Madrid, believes the Portuguese deserves to win the prestigious prize for the year's finest footballer ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery
Pepsi apologise over Cristiano Ronaldo voodoo doll row The Real Madrid star was depicted lying on train tracks in an advertising campaign in Sweden prior to their World Cup play-off clash, prompting uproar from Portugal
Dani Alves ruled out for up to 10 days with injury Tests have confirmed the Brazilian has sustained a minor problem in his right leg which will see him miss the Liga match with Granada and the Champions League trip to Ajax
Barcelona confident over €11m-per-year Iniesta deal The midfielder was stalling on new terms, but the Catalan club believe an agreement will soon be reached for the 29-year-old to see out his career at Camp Nou
Messi's Golden Shoe is a symbol of his greatness - but also proves his need for rest The Argentine collected yet another award for his goalscoring on Wednesday but, sidelined with another injury, Barcelona must manage him carefully to enjoy success this season
Ronaldo slightly ahead of the rest, admits Dani Alves The Brazil international has voiced his admiration for the Real Madrid star's stunning form but believes a lack of silverware could cost him the Ballon d'Or
Villa: Atletico should aim to challenge Barcelona & Madrid The Spain striker insists his side should not try to play down their title chances, even if they face a tough task trying to compete against the big-spending Clasico duo
Isco happy at Real Madrid The former Malaga ace has featured only sporadically in recent weeks but he says he is enjoying just training alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and under Zinedine Zidane
Rosell: Only 'political pressure' will stop Messi from winning Ballon d'Or The Blaugrana chief hopes that the media have not swayed the outcome of the voting, but Hristo Stoichkov fears Michel Platini's influence will see the award go to Franck Ribery
Messi: I will come back stronger The Argentine attacker picked up his third Golden Shoe award in the Catalan capital on Wednesday and vowed to take his time as he recovers from his latest injury
Martino unsure of Messi return date
23 November 2013
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has failed to pinpoint a date for Lionel Messi's return from a hamstring injury.
Messi limped out of Barca's trip to Real Betis earlier in November, and Martino could not allay fears for Barca fans that the attacker's return date is still unknown almost a fortnight on.
"I cannot be precise, I don't want to say one and later be wrong," said Martino, when asked about a return fixture.
"It will be at the end of the month and the beginning of December.
"The procedure will be that, what was decided by the club, it still always stands with the permission of Barcelona and its doctors.
"It's true that there is communication with AFA (Argentine Football Association) and with the doctors of their national team but anyway it's something that Barcelona will deal with.
"It's something that involved all those are worried about this Leo's situation even himself.
"So this is what we decided as the best to allow him to come back in the best way for the next year."
After the final date of Ballon d'Or votes to be accepted was pushed back two weeks to November 29, Martino said it was still a fait accompli Messi would win his fourth consecutive award.
"It's a waste of time thinking if it's a good thing to extend the time to vote for the Ballon d'Or," he said.
"For me the best player in the world is Messi and apart from that, everything is OK."
On upcoming opponents Granada, who Barcelona will welcome to the Nou Camp on Saturday, Martino said the league's eighth-placed side must be respected on their away form this season.
Lucas Alcaraz's men have recorded back-to-back road victories over Elche and Levante - both 1-0 results - and have 11 points from six trips in La Liga.
"This will be a tough match for that who Granada represent and for the way they're playing away this season, getting better results as a visitor and I think that the highest difficulty will be there," he said.
La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Granada
21 November 2013
Barcelona return to La Liga action against Granada looking to avoid a dip in performance that followed the last two international breaks.
The reigning champions are undefeated in the league this season, racking up 37 points from a possible 39 in their 13 fixtures.
But Gerardo Martino's side have put in below-par showings immediately after the two previous rounds of international fixtures this term, requiring a 94th-minute winner from Alexis Sanchez against Sevilla in September before mustering just a 0-0 stalemate at Osasuna last month.
However, that draw at the Estadio El Sadar remains the only occasion on which Barca have dropped points this season, meaning Martino's men - who have won their last 21 home Liga games - are sure to head into the fixture against an inconsistent Granada side with confidence.
Lucas Alcaraz's side occupy eighth in the Liga standings, winning five and losing six of their 13 top-flight fixtures this campaign.
Granada come into the match buoyed by back-to-back league victories, though, with a 1-0 triumph at Levante being followed by a comfortable 3-1 success over Malaga.
They travel to Camp Nou to face a Barca side plagued by injury, with Lionel Messi (hamstring) the most notable absentee.
Messi is expected to be out until the new year, but said on Wednesday that he will not set a definitive timeframe for a return.
"I am feeling better, improving slowly, almost without pain and I am starting to do some work. I am not fixing a date to return, it depends on how everything goes," he said.
Joining the Argentina international on the sidelines will be goalkeeper Victor Valdes (calf), defenders Gerard Pique (groin) Jordi Alba and Daniel Alves (both hamstring) and midfielder Cesc Fabregas (knee).
Martino is also sweating on the fitness of Xavi (hamstring) and Cristian Tello (ankle).
Barca took six points from the two meetings between the sides last season, winning 2-0 at Camp Nou and 2-1 away.
La Liga Preview: Almeria v Real Madrid
21 November 2013
Real Madrid will look for Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his hot streak when they resume their La Liga campaign at Almeria on Saturday.
The former Manchester United forward took centre stage as Portugal achieved a 4-2 aggregate victory over Sweden in the FIFA World Cup play-off, with Ronaldo notching all four goals in the tie, including a hat-trick in the 3-2 second-leg triumph in Solna on Tuesday.
That followed an electric start to the Liga campaign for Ronaldo, with the 28-year-old notching 16 goals in 13 league appearances, and he tops the goalscoring charts by three goals from nearest rival Diego Costa.
Real will once again look to their talisman to provide the attacking impetus in the trip to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, as third-placed Real look to close the six-point gap to league leaders Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have been in a rich vein of scoring form of late, chalking up 15 goals in their last three league encounters, including a 5-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad in their last fixture before the international break.
Ronaldo was once again in impressive form on that occasion notching a hat-trick during the rout, and he is keen to return the focus back to domestic duty after his international exploits.
Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "We've had an intense couple of days with our national sides, but we now have two days ahead of us to prepare as well as possible for the next match.
"My only goal now, and that of all my team-mates, is to train so that all the Real Madrid fans continue to feel proud of their team."
Ancelotti will hope to welcome back Marcelo after a knee complaint kept him out of the Sociedad fixture, while fellow left-back Fabio Coentrao faces more tests on an injury to his right thigh.
The Italian will have to reshuffle his midfield after Sami Khedira tore knee ligaments playing for Germany, with a lay-off of six months expected for the former Stuttgart man.
Almeria are struggling at the wrong end of the table in 17th place, but three consecutive Liga successes have boosted the team's confidence.
Francisco Rodriguez's charges have seen off challenges from Valencia, Real Valladolid and Osasuna in their past three matches, improving their points tally to 12.
They will look to avenge the 8-1 defeat they suffered at the Bernabeu the last time the sides did battle in La Liga in May 2011.
Barcelona will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they travel to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday.
Gerardo Martino suffered his first loss as Barcelona's head coach on Tuesday, as they went down 2-1 at Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.
The defeat came despite Ajax being reduced to 10 men for over 40 minutes as, with the exception of Xavi’s second-half penalty, Barca were unable to find a way through the resilient defence of their hosts.
And midfielder Cesc Fabregas admitted the reigning Spanish champions need to play with more intensity if they are to continue their stunning start to the league campaign, which has seen them take 40 points from a possible 42.
"We've had a team chat with the coach," Fabregas said.
"There's always self-criticism, but this was the season's first defeat and we have to react.
"We have to move the ball faster, show more motivation, attack with the ball and be intense, both in defence and attack."
Barcelona have not lost in their 14 La Liga matches this season, winning 13 and drawing once.
They are only three points ahead of Atletico Madrid, but lead fierce rivals Real Madrid by six, despite an injury crisis that has seen many of their stars sidelined.
None are more notable than Lionel Messi (thigh), with the Argentina forward - who has scored 50 and 46 goals in his last two La Liga seasons - not having played since November 10.
Messi is not expected back until the new year, while first-choice goalkeeper Victor Valdes (calf) is also sidelined.
Dani Alves has missed the club's last two matches with a calf issue of his own, while left-back Jordi Alba (hamstring) and midfielders Jonathan dos Santos and Isaac Cuenca (both knee) are long-term absentees.
Barca will welcome the in-form back Alexis Sanchez back from suspension, though. Alexis has scored eight goals in his last eight matches for club and country and Martino will be delighted by his return, especially given the continued absence of talisman Messi.
The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-2 draw in April, but Barcelona romped to a 5-1 success at Camp Nou.
Athletic have not beaten Barcelona since May 2006, when they posted a 3-1 home win, and they would love a repeat as they battle it out with Villarreal for fourth position on the table.
Ernesto Valverde's side sit fifth, six points clear of their nearest rival, and reaching the Champions League is their aim.
A lack of goals has stunted their progress, though, with not one player in the squad having netted more than three league goals.
However, Athletic have not lost in their last seven La Liga home games and are sure to provide Barca with a stern test.
La Liga Wrap: Levante lose again, Villarreal held by Malaga
30 November 2013
Levante's poor form continued as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Friday.
The result marks Joaquin Caparros' side's fourth straight La Liga defeat, with Pedro Leon striking with 11 minutes remaining to secure Getafe's first win in three.
Luis Garcia's men - who were hammered 7-0 at Atletico Madrid last time out - controlled the majority of the game, with Diego Castro and Ciprian Marica both seeing efforts on goal blocked before Leon broke the deadlock.
The victory lifts Getafe up to sixth the table, and stretches 13th-placed Levante's winless Liga streak to five matches.
In Friday's other Liga fixture, fourth-placed Villarreal missed the chance to move within four points of Real Madrid in third as Weligton's injury-time equaliser gave Malaga a 1-1 draw at El Madrigal.
Marcelino's side went ahead just after the half-hour mark as Bruno scored his fourth goal of the campaign with a neat finish, and Giovani dos Santos almost made the points safe when he drew a fine save from Willy Caballero a minute from time.
However, captain Weligton earned his side a share of the spoils with a 94th-minute header.
Ronaldo ruled out of Sociedad clash (should be Real Valladolid)
29 November 2013
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Saturday's match against Real Sociedad through injury.
Ronaldo's hamstring problem, which kept him out of Wednesday's 4-1 UEFA Champions League win over Galatasaray, will also see him miss this weekend's home fixture.
The Portuguese forward has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 25 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid.
"Cristiano won't be available for tomorrow's game because he doesn't feel comfortable yet," Ancelotti said on Friday.
"Cristiano is fully recovered but he is not comfortable and we decided not to risk him. (Angel) Di Maria will play in Cristiano's position tomorrow."
Ancelotti also rubbished suggestions that he had fallen out with experienced defender Sergio Ramos.
The 27-year-old was sent off in the win over Galatasaray, the 17th time he has been dismissed as a Real Madrid player.
Media reports suggested the relationship between the two had broken down and the defender has already been linked with switches to Chelsea and Manchester City.
"The whole world knows how important Ramos is for Real Madrid. There isn't a single problem," he added.
"Sergio Ramos is a very important player for us. He will play and do well tomorrow. Ramos is one of the best central defenders in the world. He has experience and quality.
"I wouldn't sell Ramos for 65 million euros. He is one of the best central defenders in the world."
Ancelotti also said that he did not expect left-back Fabio Coentrao, who is battling a rib injury, to be available until next year.
Injury-hit Barcelona is coming off its first loss of the season ahead of perhaps its toughest domestic league match of the young season, an away date at Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid is on a roll, unbeaten in six games, heading into the home date against Valladolid, while Atletico Madrid is at Elche. Both of Barcelona's pursuers can put the pressure on the Spanish leader with victories in their games on Saturday, a day earlier than the defending champion.
Barcelona leads the standings with 40 points, Atletico has 37, and Madrid is third with 34 points.
Here are five things to know about the Spanish league this weekend:
TIME TO MAN UP
Barcelona did not need a deep analysis of Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Ajax to know where the problems lay.
It wasn't so much its play or tactics, but a lack of hunger and desire shown by the players after having already clinched a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Coach Gerardo Martino and players Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, and Carles Puyol all criticised the team's attitude and how it needed changing. Sunday's game at Athletic Bilbao is certainly a good way to get the team's competitive edge back - Barcelona hasn't lost at Athletic in nearly eight years.
The Catalans remain without forward Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes, while the club will hope Xavi Hernandez, Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, and Adriano are available for the trip to the Basque country.
CHANGE OF SCENERY
Bilbao is hoping the move to the new San Mames Stadium will herald a turnof results against Barcelona.
Barcelona plays at Bilbao's new home, which stands beside the old stadium on the banks of the Nervion River, for the first time Sunday.
Bilbao will have to ditch a dangerous trend this season if it hopes to beat Barcelona for the first time since May 2006: It has come from behind to win four times and draw twice in 14 games this season.
Under coach Ernesto Valverde, Bilbao has returned to a free-flowing style of football that led the Basque club to the Europa League and Copa del Rey finals two seasons ago before the exits of Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente.
"They haven't lost in the league yet and it would be great if their first loss was at the (new) San Mames, where they have yet to beat us," forward Iker Muniain said. "We're certainly playing well at the moment."
'EL COMMANDANTE' RETURNS?
Real Madrid will probably decide shortly before kickoff whether to field Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday's match against Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Judging by the tributes paid to the Portugal international during their 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray - which Ronaldo missed - it would seem the home fans would like him to return from his hamstring injury to play.
Cardboard cut-out masks featuring Ronaldo's likeness were handed out to fans to wear in the stadium, and a giant banner was unfurled by one members club calling for Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or.
Ronaldo has scored 25 goals for Madrid, which has outscored opponents 26-8 on its current run. Valladolid is 17th in the standings.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Everyone is waiting for Atletico Madrid's impressive start to the season to come to a halt, with the "other" Madrid club sitting just three points off first-place Barcelona.
Atletico routed Getafe 7-0 last weekend, which led coach Diego Simeone to call the Spanish league "boring" due to the disparity between Barcelona, Madrid and the other 18 clubs.
Simeone is hoping his team will still be among the leaders in the final stretch of the season.
"We don't live off of what happened today to keep us happy or not. We're in a championship where each game we take on each rival as if it was another final," Simeone said. "When there are (five to seven) games remaining then we'll look at the table and see where we are. But we're miles away from that."
Atletico is coming off a 1-1 draw at Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League.
ON THE HOT SEAT
Malaga coach Bernd Schuster and Valencia counterpart Miroslav Djukic will need to guide their teams to victory in the 15th round of games or face the possibility of the sack.
Schuster was berated following Malaga's 2-1 loss to Bilbao, when the German coach's inability to read the game and make the correct adjustments allowed Bilbao to rally for an away victory.
Djukic has been under pressure all season with Valencia languishing mid-table in a season without Champions League football, with apparent differences between players and coach appearing to be an issue.
Malaga has the tougher task with a match at fourth-place Villarreal on Friday, while Valencia welcomes Osasuna to the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday.
Match ended 1 - 1
La Liga Wrap: Bale inspires Real, Atletico march on
1 December 2013
Gareth Bale's hat-trick inspired Real Madrid to a 4-0 win over Real Valladolid while Atletico Madrid defeated Elche 2-0 on Saturday.
Welshman Bale, the world’s most expensive player, gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side the lead with an early header at the Bernabeu and he soon turned provider for Karim Benzema to net the second.
His cross from deep on the right flank found the Frenchman and the ex-Lyon man headed past goalkeeper Diego Marino, meaning that he has now scored in five successive La Liga matches.
The second half saw Bale add to his tally after Marcelo's low cross was only half cleared by the Valladolid defence and the former Tottenham man then completed his treble in the 89th minute, as the injured Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands.
Madrid's city rivals Atletico remain three points ahead them in the table, however, after their fine win.
Koke opened the scoring after 63 minutes for Diego Simeone men when he pounced on poor goalkeeping by Manu Herrera.
Diego Costa's brilliant season continued as he notched his 15th league goal of the campaign. Adrian's cross looked set to be caught by Manu, but the Brazilian beat him to it and scored from point-blank range.
Celta Vigo managed to open up a gap between themselves and the bottom three thanks to a 3-1 win over Almeria, who stay in 18th place.
On-loan Liverpool midfielder Suso gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead with an excellent finish from outside the area, but it was short-lived.
Chilean Fabian Orellana equalised in the 26th minute with a similarly impressive strike after cutting in from the left, before Borja Oubina put Celta ahead just after half-time with a close-range finish.
Charles – a close-season signing from Almeria – made sure Celta claimed all three points just before the hour mark with a flicked effort at the front post.
Saturday's late kick-off saw Espanyol host Real Sociedad at Cornella-El Prat, with the visiting side claiming all three points courtesy of a late own goal in a 2-1 win.
Forward Jhon Cordoba struck for the hosts in the 31st minute to break the deadlock - the 20-year-old Colombian finishing after a clever run down.
Jagoba Arrasate's men were kept out for most of the match, but Antoine Griezmann eventually drew them level 22 minutes from time as he headed in Carlos Vela's cross from deep before Christian Stuani diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper in the closing stages.
Barcelona lead Atletico Madrid at La Liga's summit by just goal difference after they were stunned 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Atletico's 2-0 success at Elche on Saturday meant that Barcelona needed to win to restore their three-point advantage.
But they lost for the second outing in a row – something they have done just three times in the last four years – thanks to Iker Muniain's goal in the 70th minute.
Muniain missed a good chance in the first half, scuffing into the arms of Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, while Neymar had several attempts for the losers.
Bilbao's incessant work-rate and pressing paid dividends though, as Markel Susaeta's cross from the right was converted by Muniain.
They nearly went two goals down when Pinto was forced into a superb reflex save to deny Gaizka Toquero's header.
And Barcelona struggled to create in the latter stages as Bilbao held on for a victory that takes them up to fourth.
Valencia climbed to ninth after Jonas struck a hat-trick in their 3-0 home success against a 10-man Osasuna.
Fresh off a 1-0 UEFA Europa League win at Swansea City on Thursday, Valencia were handed a big advantage when Patxi Punal was given a straight red card in the 17th minute.
And Brazilian Jonas took full advantage, first scoring in the 45th minute to delight the Mestalla crowd who had not seen their side win a home league fixture since September.
Jonas doubled his account three minutes after half-time, before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute.
Sunday's other matches saw Sevilla win 2-1 at Granada thanks to Kevin Gamiero's late strike.
Yacine Brahimi cancelled out Carlos Bacca's opener with a second-half penalty, but Sevilla had the last laugh as substitute Gameiro netted with three minutes left.
And Real Betis remained on the bottom of the league after they were held to a 2-2 home draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Betis led twice but lost two points in the 91st minute, as Bueno's second clawed the visitors level.
As Real Madrid attempt to get tough with their most radical group of supporters, the Ultras Sur, Dave Redshaw takes a look at the problem.
Real Madrid has always been an institution that has suffered from internal squabbles and political in-fighting, although for the most part it has usually been confined to the boardroom or dressing room. Now, however, Los Blancos have been faced with a fresh problem that has reared its ugly head in recent weeks, namely a civil war that has started to develop among its most radical group of supporters – the Ultras Sur.
As with many European clubs, the most vociferous and at times intimidating fans tend to congregate behind one of the goals, typically leading the singing and waving their flags and banners, while even letting off flares on occasion. More often than not, an arrangement will be in place, endorsed by the club, which entitles them to cheaper tickets, subsidised travel to away games and other benefits. It is the price to be paid for creating an atmosphere inside the stadium that adds to the entertainment for the more reserved or discerning match-goer.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, the southern part of the ground has been home to the Ultras Sur since the 1980s, when they were created as an offshoot of the Pena Las Banderas supporters club. Known for their right-wing politics, they have since developed an alliance with other similar-minded groups, most notably Lazio’s ‘Irriducibili’ fans, and have even been investigated by UEFA for their behaviour.
Having been both embraced and tolerated in equal measure at Madrid in the past, club President Florentino Perez has now warned that he will attempt to put an end to their existence unless their alleged differences are sorted out. It follows the recent home match against Real Sociedad where the space behind the goal the Ultras normally occupy was left empty, with El Confidencial revealing this week that the reason was because some members were prevented from entering the zone by rival factions within the organisation.
Perez, for his part, has now ruled that no Ultras will be permitted to occupy their usual place at upcoming fixtures unless identification is presented alongside a valid match ticket, while the National Police have gone even further by placing themselves on alert before matches in order to prevent violent altercations in or around the Bernabeu.
The conflict appears to have its origins in a struggle between different generations to gain control of the group, with older disciples now finding their power challenged by a younger element known as Los Cachorros – the ‘Young Pups’. It is these new kids on the block that want to sever any perceived collaboration with the club and make the Ultras an even more radical and politicised body. It is a situation that has resulted in club executives having already met with them to try and resolve the issue before it is too late.
Interestingly enough, the authorities are also keeping their eyes on the Vicente Calderon where, despite the intense cross-city rivalry, there are reported links between the hardcore Frente Atletico group and the Ultras Sur. Both bands of supporters are very similar, with matching ideology and political beliefs, and there is also a monetary aspect involved. With cheap tickets available from their clubs, these are often allegedly sold to regular punters at inflated prices, while other financial benefits include selling a large amount of merchandise at the ground and via their online store.
It is a tricky situation for Perez, who understandably would not want to become further embroiled in a dispute with an organisation that could make life very uncomfortable for the average Madrid aficionado.
Nonetheless, unless some kind of punitive measures are taken the tail might be seen to be wagging the dog a little bit too vigorously for comfort.
The Real Madrid forward implied that the Fifa president's apology had been ignored, believes he is having his best season and spoke highly of city rivals Atletico
Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has continued the spat with Sepp Blatter by laughing off the Fifa president's apology.
Blatter apologised on Twitter to the Portuguese star after comments he made about Ronaldo at an Oxford Union address in October.
However, speaking at an awards ceremony, the 28-year-old implied that Blatter's apology had fallen on deaf ears.
When asked about an alleged phone call the Fifa president had made to apologise to the Madrid forward, he replied: “I don’t have a telephone. My secretary forgot to tell me about it."
Ronaldo was irked by comments Blatter made about the former Manchester United attacker when he said that "one has more expenses at the hairdressers than the other" in reference to rival Lionel Messi.
Madrid president Florentino Perez also deemed the remarks "unacceptable", believing them to show favouritism towards Messi in the Ballon d'Or awards.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo was crowned La Liga's best player last season by Spanish newspaper Marca, and he added: “The main thing is to enjoy this prize and the fact that Don Alfredo [Di Stefano] made the effort to be here to present it. I’ve watched his videos, he was a phenomenon.”
The forward also praised city rivals Atletico Madrid for their impressive start to this season's campaign, with Diego Simeone's side joint-top with Barcelona of the Spanish Primera Division after 15 games. Ronaldo nevertheless strongly believes the title will be end up with his side.
“I’m not surprised by Atletico. I thought they looked strong last season," Ronaldo added. "They’re well organised, have a great coach, great players and a good keeper ... they’re going to be fighting for the title and they are a strong candidate. But I’m convinced Madrid are going to win it."
The Portuguese international has been sidelined for Madrid's last two games, but says he will definitely play against Copenhagen in the Champions League on December 10 and feels this could be his best year of his career to date.
"The injury’s healed. I’ve been fine for a couple of days now. We decided not to push it against Valladolid, but I’ll play the next game for certain," he continued. "I’m in good form right now, this might be my best ever start to a season, but recent years have all been good too. The formula for success is to work hard."
Ronaldo insisted he is not thinking about the World Cup with Portugal yet.
He added: “You have to take things as they come. Right now I’m with Madrid and my aim is to win the league and the Champions League, as Madrid should aim to do every year, and when the World Cup comes round, we’ll see about that.
"The important thing is to think about the present and the here-and-now is Madrid. We’re getting better, improving little by little and we’re doing well. The thing I want most is to be there for the team and to keep going until the end of the season, which is when the league is won.”
The Real Madrid captain has lost his place in the Blancos first team this year but is still in the running for the annual XI alongside the likes of Manuel Neuer
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been named among the nominees for the Fifa/Fifpro Team of the Year for 2013.
The Spain skipper has endured a frustrating time over the last 12 months, losing his place in the Blancos first team to Diego Lopez after suffering a hand injury in January.
Casillas has not made a Liga appearance for the club since, though he has featured under Carlo Ancelotti in the Champions League and for Spain at the Confederations Cup.
Meanwhile, his rival for the No.1 jersey with the world champions, Barcelona's Victor Valdes is also among the nominees, alongside Manuel Neuer, who led Bayern Munich to the treble last term.
Petr Cech of Europa League winners Chelsea and Gianluigi Buffon, who captained Juventus to a second straight Serie A title complete the field.
Last term, an all-Liga XI was named, with only Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao coming from outside the Real Madrid and Barcelona squads and Casillas in goal.
The 55-strong shortlist for the Fifa/Fifpro XI will be revealed on December 9.
La Liga's bottom club have appointed the former Villarreal boss until the end of the season after the former striker was dismissed on Monday
Real Betis have appointed Juan Carlos Garrido as their new coach after sacking Pepe Mel on Monday.
Mel had been with the club since 2010 and took them back to the top flight in the 2010-11 season before securing a Europa League spot after finishing an impressive seventh last season.
However, while Betis sit second in Group I and well placed to progress in the continental competition, their domestic form has been terrible in this campaign.
Mel leaves the club rock-bottom in the table, having won just twice from 15 games and failed to win any of their last eight league matches, during which time the club suffered a painful 4-0 derby defeat against Sevilla.
In a statement on their official website, Betis confirmed: "Juan Carlos Garrido is the new coach of Real Betis until the end of the season and will take the reins of the team tomorrow.
"The club is fully confident the decision will give the team the boost they need to recover winning ways."
Garrido, a former coach at Villarreal, took charge of Club Brugge last November and guided them to the brink of the Belgian title last season.
Betis confirmed Garrido's backroom staff would also be joining him at the club, while Roberto Rios and David Gomez, members of Mel's team, have moved on.
