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Rodgers warns Real Madrid: Suarez exit very difficult to complete
By Alex Young12
Aug 23, 2013 8:50:00 AM
The Liverpool manager insists that any deal would depend on the club finding a replacement and says that the Reds are still trying to sign "one or two more quality players"
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Real Madrid that any late bid for Luis Suarez would be "very difficult" to complete.
The Uruguayan has been vocal in regarding his desire to leave Anfield this summer, with Arsenal unsuccessful with two bids and Arsene Wenger subsequently admitting defeat in his chase of the striker.
However, when asked if he expected a formal approach from Madrid before the close of the window, Rodgers insisted there was little time left for a deal to be done.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of activity in these last number of days," the Reds boss told reporters. "It is what it is and we will deal with it like we have during the summer.
"It's very difficult at this time [to accept a bid for Suarez]. We are trying to get one or two more quality players in through the door. If we lose Luis at this stage it would be difficult to replace him.
"There might have been a point a few months ago where there was time to do it but, with 11 days to go, it would be difficult to replace him."
One player who Liverpool were keen to sign was Brazilian attacker Willian, only for Tottenham to pull ahead with a late bid - who, in turn, are now at risk of being usurped by Chelsea.
Rodgers has commended the club's owners and their determination to improve the squad but rued missing out on the Anzhi Makhachkala man.
"We identify the targets and then try and get the deal done financially. That's how it was," he added. "The club pushed as hard as they felt they could financially but it wasn't to be. It's the owners' money and they will always have the final say because it's they who run the club.
"What they have taken on here is a huge job. You have seen over the last few years they will finance a project we are trying to develop and what we have to make sure of is we get the right players and the value and worth of the player is right. It's disappointing because this was a player who would have been perfect for us.
"It wasn't a football reason [why the deal collapsed] and I don't really want to go into it. That's for us as a club really. The bottom line is he hasn't come here for whatever reason and we move on."
Rodgers recognises that, with their rivals for Champions League qualification strengthening, it makes their hopes of a top-four place even harder - but is keen to bolster his squad if Liverpool are going to compete.
He continued: "Tottenham could spend up to £90-odd million and they are outside the Champions League. For us it is a huge, huge challenge, there's no doubt about that.
"But I don't want to be defeatist. We can't accept that. There's no doubt quality will cost you money. We just have to try to ensure we can get quality through the door and that will give us a chance for fourth. But make no mistake about it, it's a big ask and a big challenge."
La Liga Wrap: Bilbao make winning start, Getafe held
24 August 2013
New Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde began his second spell in charge in perfect fashion, with a 2-0 win over Basque rivals Osasuna.
Bilbao went close to taking the lead just three minutes into the contest - played at Real Sociedad's Estadio Anoeta due to delays in the construction of Bilbao's new San Mames arena - Andres Fernandes tipping Markel Susaeta's strike onto the post after the winger had beaten the visitors’ offside trap.
That slice of misfortune may have left the hosts feeling aggrieved, but their luck evened out just after the half-hour mark, Osasuna defender Alejandro Arribas turning Susaeta pull back into his own net.
Ander Herrera went close to doubling the lead nine minutes into the second half, before Arribas saw his header drift wide of the post in a rare opportunity for Jose Luis Mendilibar's men.
Osasuna pushed to try snatch a point, but Bilbao closed things out eight minutes from time, substitute Oscar De Marcos lofting a finish over Fernandes after he had latched on to a sublime left-wing cross from Aritz Aduriz.
Newly promoted Almeria marked their Liga return with an entertaining 2-2 draw at Getafe.
The visitors took a surprise lead on the half-hour mark, on loan Barcelona B striker Rodri slotting home at the near post after an excellent through ball from Liverpool loanee Suso.
However, it took a mere two minutes for Luis Garcia Plaza's men to equalise, Angel Lafita meeting Pablo Sarabia's right-wing cross to head home.
Still, Almeria continued to press forward despite that setback, and they rewarded eight minutes before the break as Fernando Soriano converted from close range after Alex Vidal's deflected effort had squirmed into his path.
The men from Andalusia looked to heading towards a win in their first game back in the top flight, but they were denied as Diego Castro converted from the spot at the second time of asking, his re-take going under the body of Esteban after Lafita had been felled just inside the area.
Messi ruled out of Malaga clash The Argentine attacker is not yet recovered from the thigh injury he picked up against Atletico Madrid and will miss this weekend's Liga encounter
Arsenal transfer fate could be in Suarez's hands, hints Wenger The Gunners are eyeing an audacious swoop for Karim Benzema, but will only secure the Frenchman's signature if Real Madrid land Liverpool's Uruguayan forward as his replacement
I hope Cristiano Ronaldo scores an own goal, says El Arabi The Morocco international would like to see the Portuguese superstar find his own net again when their respective clubs meet again on Monday
Casillas could leave Madrid for Barcelona, believes Canizares The Spain international has been linked with a sensational move to the Catalan giants and the former Valencia man thinks a transfer to Camp Nou is a realistic option
Raul urges Real Madrid unity The 36-year-old Al Sadd striker believes for los Blancos to be successful they need to pull together and stop all of their internal disputes
Messi a Ferrari going for a service, says Alves The Brazil international is confident his team-mate will be back in action sooner rather than later, while backing Neymar to make inroads on the starting XI
Jese: Raul was my childhood hero The Real Madrid youngster says he was honoured to share a pitch with the Al Sadd forward and vowed to work hard to be as successful as the club icon
Wenger: Champions League key to signings The Arsenal manager insists he is "confident" of signing the right players, particularly after taking a clear advantage in their play-off against Fenerbahce
Afellay out of action until 2014 The Dutchman will not feature for the Liga champions in the upcoming four months after successfully going under the knife
Arsene Wenger has turned his attention to the Spanish giants as he makes late-window attempts to bring a marquee signing to the Gunners following a frustrating summer
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Arsenal have opened preliminary talks with Real Madrid over a €30 million deal for Argentine playmaker Angel Di Maria.
Madrid have indicated in early discussions with the Gunners that they are willing to off-load Di Maria as they prepare to announce the world-record signing of Gareth Bale.
'DI MARIA IS A FANTASTIC TALENT'
Miguel Churruca | Goal Spain
"Despite his stunning arrival to the Bernabeu, Di Maria has never felt the starting player he was supposed to be. Too many big-name stars in his position, a couple of long injuries and the irregular form he has shown in the last two seasons have put him on the Madrid departures list.
"Predominantly a left winger, the Argentina international has fantastic dribbling ability but Real's deals for Isco and, moreover, the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale, have opened the door to an exit.
"If he does join Arsenal, Di Maria would undoubtedly take a leading role in Wenger’s side, with the potential to play on both wings in support of Olivier Giroud."
But Goal understands that Real chiefs have told Arsenal they will not sell French striker Karim Benzema, another target, unless they first secure a top-class replacement.
Given that there are only 10 days left in the window, it means Arsenal’s hopes of landing the France international in particular look slim – Benzema is Real’s only senior centre forward following Gonzalo Higuain’s sale to Napoli earlier this summer – but the move for Di Maria is believed to be more advanced.
Wenger's audacious approach for the attacking pair comes in a week in which Arsenal have made a series of shock moves for players who were not on their target list earlier in the window.
As reported by Goal, the Londoners made bids for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye and Schalke right-back Atsuto Uchida on Monday, and also made an enquiry for Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Wenger also has his eye on Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and is weighing up a short-term contract offer for former Gunner Mathieu Flamini, who is training at London Colney after being released by AC Milan.
It is the search for marquee attacking talent that is Wenger's chief priority as he attempts to make use of the €116.5m transfer kitty at his disposal and turn Arsenal into genuine title contenders.
The Frenchman has turned his attention to Spain after becoming aware of Bale's impending move to Real, a deal that is expected to be completed for around €100m by the end of the week.
The Gunners have also still not given up hope of landing Luis Suarez, while they are also continuing to monitor the situation of Wayne Rooney, who is being openly pursued by Chelsea.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted on Thursday that a bid this late in the window for Suarez "would be very difficult [to accept]", adding: "There might have been a point a few months ago where there was time to do it but, with 11 days to go, it would be difficult to replace him."
La Liga Preview: Malaga v Barcelona
23 August 2013
Lionel Messi is an injury doubt for Barcelona's trip to Malaga, after being withdrawn at half-time in Wednesday's draw with Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international could only manage 45 minutes as a Neymar header saw Barcelona come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana.
Messi has been plagued with muscular issues at the start of the campaign, and was a doubt for the club's opening fixture against Levante last Sunday.
But he recovered in time to score twice as Barcelona stormed to a 7-0 win at Camp Nou.
However, the club confirmed on their official website that he has bruised the femoral biceps tendon in his left thigh, and he now faces a race against time to feature at the Estadio La Rosaleda on Sunday.
If he does not play, Gerardo Martino could be tempted to hand a first start to Brazilian Neymar, after he rescued a draw on Wednesday.
And the former Santos star is confident he has more to offer.
"I hope it will be the first goal of many," he told Spanish television station TVE.
"I score very few goals with my head so they are even more valuable. I am happy to have got my first goal.
"It's a shame that I haven't been able to play with Messi yet, he is the best in the world and everyone wants to play with him."
Malaga manager Bernd Schuster takes charge of a team against Barcelona for the first time since he led Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory over the Catalan club at the Bernabeu in May 2008.
He could hand a debut to Bartlomiej Pawlowski, after the forward received international clearance for his transfer. The move was initially delayed following a dispute between two of his former clubs, Widzew Lodz and Jagiellonia Bialystok, over who owned the player.
The Andalusian team are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat away to Valencia on Saturday, and left-back Vitorino Antunes says they will go all out to spring a surprise.
"I've got a great respect for them (Barcelona), but then I do for every team," he told the club's official website.
"We know that Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, so playing them is a great motivation for us.
"We want to win our first home game of the season, and we will be doing all we can to earn the three points."
Pictured: Real Madrid set stage for Bale presentation
Aug 24, 2013 12:20:00 PM
The Spanish club are extremely confident of securing a deal for the Welshman in the next few days and have already prepared a special balcony on which to parade their new signing
By Greg Stobart
Real Madrid expect to reach an agreement with Tottenham for Gareth Bale imminently and have already set the stage for the winger's unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu.
THE STAGE IS SET
Madrid's offer currently stands at a potential world record £86 million (€100m), and although Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is holding out for £93m (€108m), the Spanish club have already prepared a special balcony on which they will parade their latest galactico.
Both clubs expect the deal to be completed within the next few days, and Tottenham are actively pursuing replacements.
They had been on the brink of signing Brazilian attacker Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala, only to be gazumped by Chelsea at the 11th hour, though a deal for Roma star Erik Lamela is progressing.
Madrid have chased Bale all summer, and although initial reports suggested that they would only make a move next year, they lodged an official offer at the end of July.
They are now supremely confident of landing the double PFA Premier League Player of the Year winner, and had already given the game away by listing 'Bale 11' replica shirts on their official website.
Although the club have prepared the special balcony to welcome Bale, the unveiling will not compare to those of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka or Karim Benzema, which featured a grand stage on the Bernabeu centre circle.
Samuel Eto’o has been offered to Real Madrid, as Anzhi Makachkala reportedly struggle to pay his wages.
FootballEspana Aug 24, 2013
Samuel Eto'o (Reuters)
The former Barcelona forward, who had a previous spell on the books at the Santiago Bernabeu, is currently seen as one of the highest paid players in the game, with his Russian employers running a salary upwards of €20million (£17m).
However, it is understood that having been informed by Anzhi of their difficulty in continuing to pay that amount, the player’s agents have taken it upon themselves to source new employers this summer.
Whilst a reunion with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea has been suggested in recent weeks, or even a return to Inter in Italy, Spanish newspaper Sport report that Madrid have been approached about making a possible bid too.
Reports in Spain suggest that Manchester City Coach Manuel Pellegrini is apparently pressurising the City hierarchy to go in for Atletico Madrid centre-back Martin Demichelis.
Demichelis worked with Pellegrini at Malaga up until the end of last season but like the Coach left La Rosaleda this summer.
Whilst he has only just moved to the Vicente Calderon on a Bosman, speculation in recent days has suggested that Atletico would be prepared to cash in on any advances made by City.
The English are once more listed in reports today as pushing for the 32-year-old, with Pellegrini believed to be keen for the reunion with the Argentine defender.
With Vincent Kompany the third centre-back at the club injured just one game into the season, it is seen that the Chilean tactician is keen for cover to be brought in and that Demichelis is top of his list.
However, where Atletico have been reported through the past few days as looking for a figure of around €5m, it is understood that City are only prepared to pay as much as €3million (£2.5m).
Reports suggest that Atletico Madrid are reportedly still looking at picking up Jeremy Toulalan this summer, despite him only recently moving to Monaco.
The capital club were known to be pursuing the Frenchman this summer and were believed at one stage to have reached agreement with the player.
However, Malaga agreed a transfer with Monaco, who completed the midfielder’s transfer in early July for a fee believed to be in the region of €5million (£4.3m) plus add-ons.
In spite of this and the player already featuring in the prinicipality outfit’s opening two League games, Atleti are reported by AS as still looking at the 29-year-old.
It is understood that in light of a strong working relationship built through the transfer of Radamel Falcao, Los Colchoneros have asked of the possibility of picking up Toulalan.
Whilst it is believed that at a sporting level the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to sell, a deal may be reached, providing Atleti pay up the €5million (£4.3m) fee they were prepared to hand over to Malaga for the player earlier this summer and that Monaco are believed to have eventually paid.
Toulalan suggested in a recent interview in France that part of the reason for his move to the principality was Malaga’s reluctance to sell to another team in La Liga, ‘especially Atletico Madrid, who are playing in the Champions League’.
La Liga Wrap: Bilbao make winning start, Getafe held
24 August 2013
New Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde began his second spell in charge in perfect fashion, with a 2-0 win over Basque rivals Osasuna.
Bilbao went close to taking the lead just three minutes into the contest - played at Real Sociedad's Estadio Anoeta due to delays in the construction of Bilbao's new San Mames arena - Andres Fernandes tipping Markel Susaeta's strike onto the post after the winger had beaten the visitors’ offside trap.
That slice of misfortune may have left the hosts feeling aggrieved, but their luck evened out just after the half-hour mark, Osasuna defender Alejandro Arribas turning Susaeta pull back into his own net.
Ander Herrera went close to doubling the lead nine minutes into the second half, before Arribas saw his header drift wide of the post in a rare opportunity for Jose Luis Mendilibar's men.
Osasuna pushed to try snatch a point, but Bilbao closed things out eight minutes from time, substitute Oscar De Marcos lofting a finish over Fernandes after he had latched on to a sublime left-wing cross from Aritz Aduriz.
Newly promoted Almeria marked their Liga return with an entertaining 2-2 draw at Getafe.
The visitors took a surprise lead on the half-hour mark, on loan Barcelona B striker Rodri slotting home at the near post after an excellent through ball from Liverpool loanee Suso.
However, it took a mere two minutes for Luis Garcia Plaza's men to equalise, Angel Lafita meeting Pablo Sarabia's right-wing cross to head home.
Still, Almeria continued to press forward despite that setback, and they rewarded eight minutes before the break as Fernando Soriano converted from close range after Alex Vidal's deflected effort had squirmed into his path.
The men from Andalusia looked to heading towards a win in their first game back in the top flight, but they were denied as Diego Castro converted from the spot at the second time of asking, his re-take going under the body of Esteban after Lafita had been felled just inside the area.
La Liga Wrap: Espanyol come from behind again
25 August 2013
Espanyol's solid start to La Liga has continued as they came from a goal down to beat Valencia 3-1 at the Estadi Cornella.
After coming from two goals behind to draw with Celta Vigo on the opening weekend, Espanyol conceded first again after only 10 minutes when Valencia's Jonas held the ball up in the penalty area and laid it off to Helder Postiga, who clinically smashed his shot past goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
Valencia managed to hold their lead until the 32nd minute on Saturday when an Espanyol corner from Simao was headed home at the near-post by David Lopez.
The half-time deadlock did not last long as Valencia's frailties from set pieces were again exposed by Espanyol as Christian Stuani headed home Juan Fuentes' free-kick unopposed.
Despite conceding large amounts of possession, Espanyol secured the victory with a third goal two minutes from time as Thievy Bifouma dispatched Manuel Lanzarote's cut-back.
Elsewhere, a superb solo goal from Cani clinched a come-from-behind 2-1 victory for Villarreal over Real Valladolid.
Javi Guerra put Valladolid into the lead in the fourth minute when he scored in the corner after Zakarya Bergdich's piercing pass.
Villarreal fought hard for an equaliser and it came on 38 minutes as Giovani Dos Santos stroked home his spot kick underneath the keeper's body.
Both sides shared possession and chances throughout the second-half until Cani drove straight at the Valladolid defence in the 83rd minute and curled a finish into the top right corner with the outside of his foot to secure the three points for Villarreal.
Real Sociedad looked to be suffering a European hangover in their 1-1 draw at Elche.
Having beaten French giants Lyon 2-0 in the European Champions League play-off on Wednesday, Sociedad went behind after only two minutes as a corner snuck through the goalkeeper at the near post and Coro was on hand to finish into the empty net.
Elche fought valiantly but former Arsenal attacker Carlos Vela grabbed the equaliser in the 75th minute when his scuffed finish from Xabi Prieto's cross did enough to find the back of the net.
Yaya Toure: Barcelona were the club of my heart The Manchester City midfielder tells of the affection he had towards his former club and the difficulty of leaving, though stresses he remains happy at the Etihad Stadium
La Liga: Vela rescues point for Real Sociedad La Real remain unbeaten, Espanyol pull off a fine victory against Valencia and Villarreal show they are ready to compete in the top flight
Schuster disappointed by Messi absence The Andalusian side's boss insists he would have preferred to face a full-strength Barcelona team on Sunday, lamenting the exclusion of the Argentina forward through injury
Neymar set for first start as Barcelona save Messi for Atletico clash The Catalans' €57 million summer signing has begun life at Camp Nou on the bench, but is likely to feature from the outset at Malaga as the Argentine recovers from a bruised thigh
Simeone dismisses Demichelis & Adrian rumours The Argentine has brushed off speculation regarding two of his players and says he is focused only on building upon his side's midweek draw with Barcelona
Messi's absence won't be used as an excuse, says Martino The Argentine has been ruled out of Sunday's game versus Malaga after picking up a knock in the Supercopa first leg against Atletico Madrid
Benzema will not go to Arsenal, says Real Madrid striker's agent
By Chris Davie78
Aug 24, 2013 6:39:00 PM
The French striker will not leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to join Arsene Wenger's side, according to the player's representative
Karim Benzema's agent insists the striker will not leave Real Madrid for Arsenal this summer.
Goal exclusively revealed on Friday that Arsene Wenger is considering a move for the France international, although any potential deal hinges on whether Madrid will launch an offer for Liverpool forward Luis Suarez before the close of the transfer window.
But the 25-year-old's agent claims the player does not want to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer despite the speculation surrounding his future.
"We can not fight against the rumours, but I assure you Karim will not go to Arsenal," Karim Djaziri told French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.
"There has never been any discussions and no contact has been established."
The Gunners, yet to make a major summer signing, have also been in talks with Real Madrid over Benzema's team-mate Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine will be allowed to leave the club as they prepare to announce the world-record transfer of Tottenham's Gareth Bale to the Spanish capital.
La Liga Preview: Granada v Real Madrid
24 August 2013
Asier Illarramendi could be in line to make his Real Madrid debut when they travel to Granada in La Liga on Monday.
The midfielder moved to the Bernabeu from Real Sociedad in July after Madrid met his €39million buy-out clause, but failed to make an appearance in pre-season as he recovered from muscle injuries sustained during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which he helped Spain to win.
However, he took part in full training ahead of the game and will be a useful boost to Carlo Ancelotti's midfield numbers.
Xabi Alonso (foot) and Sami Khedira (knee) have been absent from training recently, with the former definitely ruled out.
Khedira limped out of Madrid's narrow 2-1 win over Real Betis last week and is likely to be replaced by Brazilian Casemiro, who came on in his place in the home victory.
Raphael Varane remains unavailable for selection due to a knee injury sustained at the end of last season, leaving Sergio Ramos and Pepe as the only senior centre-backs available to Ancelotti.
Isco is likely to continue in the creative hub for Madrid after scoring their late winner last week. Jorge Molina had given the Andalusian side a 14th-minute lead before Karim Benzema equalised shortly afterwards.
A frustrating game for Madrid looked to be heading for a draw, until the former Malaga man nodded home on his home debut in the dying embers.
Granada also kicked off their league campaign with a 2-1 success, impressively turning over Osasuna away from home.
Two goals in the space of seven first-half minutes from Hassan Yebda and Youssef El-Arabi were enough to seal the points and leave Granada one place above Madrid in the embryonic Liga table, thanks to alphabetical order.
Manager Lucas Alcaraz is likely to be without captain Diego Mainz, who was forced to sit out the win over Osasuna.
Goalkeeper Roberto will once again play through the pain of a toe injury, but experienced striker Carlos Aranda is sidelined.
Guilherme Siqueira was left out of Alcaraz's team last week amid rumours of a move to Liverpool or Real Madrid, with the 47-year-old boss admitting that the left-back is unlikely to feature for the club unless he remains after the transfer window closes.
A fine first-half strike from Adriano proved to be enough as champions Barcelona claimed a 1-0 victory away to Malaga to top La Liga.
The defender's goal towards the end of the first period meant Barcelona extended their winning domestic record after thrashing Levante 7-0 last weekend.
A fine save by Willy Caballero tipped Gerard Pique's effort on to the crossbar as Barca pushed for a second that failed to materialise, although by the end they were thankful for a late Victor Valdes save that ensured they claimed all three points.
For Barcelona, manager Gerardo Martino was without the injured Lionel Messi, while close-season signing Neymar had to be content with a place on the bench. Poland striker Bartlomiej Pawlowski made his starting debut for Malaga, who were missing Eliseu and Flavio Ferreira.
A Cesc Fabregas through ball after 18 minutes almost paved the way for an early opener at La Rosaleda but Pedro's poor first touch took the ball out of his stride.
The Liga champions enjoyed particular joy down Malaga's left-hand flank, as Xavi and Andres Iniesta looked to combine to control the midfield exchanges and unleash Alexis Sanchez into the wide channels.
Malaga spent long periods without possession, but when they had the ball, they were quick to try and work it into the final third.
A long-range direct free-kick just before the half-hour mark forced Valdes into action for the first time in the match but he safely dealt with Vitorino Antunes' ambitious effort.
The deadlock was deservedly broken after 43 minutes, though, as Adriano curled a long-range, left-foot effort past the helpless Caballero after precise build-up play from Sanchez.
Barcelona looked very comfortable after the break, dictating the play in similar fashion to the first half. Malaga struggled to create any openings of real substance, as Barcelona repeatedly threatened to double their lead.
Pique forced a spectacular save from Caballero that ricocheted off the bar after 57 minutes when directing the ball goalwards from a menacing free-kick.
Martino then introduced Neymar into proceedings as the visitors pressed for that elusive second goal, and the Brazilian almost got on the end of an inviting Dani Alves cross.
Fabrice Olinga almost equalised after 67 minutes for Malaga against the run of play. After excellent counter-attacking down the left wing by Roque Santa Cruz, the striker's stabbed effort rebounded off the post.
A free-kick from substitute Neymar again brought Caballero into action, the goalkeeper having to beat the ball away after it took a deflection off the wall.
Then came Valdez's late heriocs as he kept out Sebastian Fernandez's header from an inswinging cross from Jesus Gamez.
La Liga Wrap: Espanyol come from behind again
25 August 2013
Espanyol's solid start to La Liga has continued as they came from a goal down to beat Valencia 3-1 at the Estadi Cornella.
After coming from two goals behind to draw with Celta Vigo on the opening weekend, Espanyol conceded first again after only 10 minutes when Valencia's Jonas held the ball up in the penalty area and laid it off to Helder Postiga, who clinically smashed his shot past goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
Valencia managed to hold their lead until the 32nd minute on Saturday when an Espanyol corner from Simao was headed home at the near-post by David Lopez.
The half-time deadlock did not last long as Valencia's frailties from set pieces were again exposed by Espanyol as Christian Stuani headed home Juan Fuentes' free-kick unopposed.
Despite conceding large amounts of possession, Espanyol secured the victory with a third goal two minutes from time as Thievy Bifouma dispatched Manuel Lanzarote's cut-back.
Elsewhere, a superb solo goal from Cani clinched a come-from-behind 2-1 victory for Villarreal over Real Valladolid.
Javi Guerra put Valladolid into the lead in the fourth minute when he scored in the corner after Zakarya Bergdich's piercing pass.
Villarreal fought hard for an equaliser and it came on 38 minutes as Giovani Dos Santos stroked home his spot kick underneath the keeper's body.
Both sides shared possession and chances throughout the second-half until Cani drove straight at the Valladolid defence in the 83rd minute and curled a finish into the top right corner with the outside of his foot to secure the three points for Villarreal.
Real Sociedad looked to be suffering a European hangover in their 1-1 draw at Elche.
Having beaten French giants Lyon 2-0 in the European Champions League play-off on Wednesday, Sociedad went behind after only two minutes as a corner snuck through the goalkeeper at the near post and Coro was on hand to finish into the empty net.
Elche fought valiantly but former Arsenal attacker Carlos Vela grabbed the equaliser in the 75th minute when his scuffed finish from Xabi Prieto's cross did enough to find the back of the net.
La Liga Wrap: Atletico crush Vallecano, Barca edge Malaga
26 August 2013
Atletico Madrid has continued their strong start to the season with a 5-0 thumping of Rayo Vallecano in Spain's La Liga.
Raul Garcia opened the scoring in the 17th minute as he rose unchallenged to head Gabri's cross home.
It was 2-0 only four minutes later when Diego Costa just managed to finish past Vallecano goalkeeper Cobeno after Arda Turan's cut-back.
The provider became a goal-scorer on 35 minutes when Costa fed Turan, who took the ball around the 'keeper and found the empty net.
Gabri sprung the Vallecano offside trap to head home eight minutes into the second half before Garcia completed his brace in the 90th minute with a tap-in.
The victory lifted Atletico to their second straight win of the season while Vallecano will be disappointed after a 3-0 win against Elche on the opening day.
Meanwhile, Barcelona dominated possession as a superb Adriano Correia strike earned a 1-0 win at Malaga.
The Brazilian right-back cut in from the flank and unleashed a low curling strike that beat goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero in the shadows of half-time.
It was a narrow victory despite the Catalans enjoying 74 per cent possession and 11 shots on target.
Celta de Vigo secured their first win of the season as they overcame Real Betis 2-1.
All goals were in the second-half with Charles and Nolito establishing a two-goal lead for Celta before Ruben Castro scored a consolation for Betis on 90 minutes.
And Levante hit back from the seven-goal loss to Barcelona on the opening weekend of the season with a 0-0 home result against Sevilla.
Fabregas: Barcelona not just Messi & Neymar The former Arsenal captain feels that the Blaugrana have a squad packed with players capable of stepping up to the mark when their star duo are not on the pitch
Malaga 0-1 Barcelona: Adriano gives lacklustre Blaugrana narrow win The reigning Liga champions were given a stern test of their credentials but prevailed thanks to the Brazilian defender
The Camp Nou boss had slammed Real Madrid for paying a world record fee for the Welshman but insists he stands by his original statement
Barcelona boss Tata Martino has reiterated his belief that Real Madrid "lack respect" for society due to their willingness to pay a reported €100 milliion for Gareth Bale.
The Tottenham star looks set to complete a potentially world-breaking transfer to the Spanish capital, leading the Argentine to question the figures mooted.
Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was quick to bite back, but Martino has refused to withdraw his comments.
"I said what I said about Bale and his price," he told reporters following Barca's 1-0 win over Malaga.
"It's not for any personal confrontation with Ancelotti. It doesn't seem appropriate. I'll stick with what I said in the week. I'm not retracting it.
"It's not for me to speak about Madrid signings. But, in football terms, Bale is a very good player, that's obvious."
Meanwhile, Blaugrana midfielder Xavi has also spoken about Bale's move to Madrid, claiming his price tag is the product of the current transfer market.
"It's the market which dictates the price, that's all there is to it."
The Italian says the Blaugrana boss does not yet grasp how European football works, after the Argentine labelled los Blancos' bid for the Welshman disrespectful
Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Gerardo Martino "does not understand European football" in light of comments made by the Barcelona boss in relation to Real Madrid's pursuit of Gareth Bale.
The Blancos are reportedly closing in on a record-breaking €100 million deal for the Tottenham Hotspur star, prompting the newly-appointed Blaugrana coach to take exception to the size of the fee, describing the numbers involved as demonstrating "lack of respect for the world we live in."
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain trainer has now hit back at Martino, suggesting the Argentine should examine his own club's activity in the transfer market before taking the moral high-ground.
"I didn't understand it," Ancelotti told reporters on Sunday. "He hasn't been here for long; he does not understand European football and does not understand how his own club works.
"Barcelona buy their players with money, too. It was certainly a strange thing to say."
The Bale deal is expected to be completed in the coming days but Ancelotti says he has not yet given any through to the Welshman's seemingly imminent arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I don't know where he [Bale] will play," the Champions League winner admitted. "I have other things on my mind at the moment.
"He is not a Real Madrid player yet and I want to respect those [in my squad] who are prepared for the next match."
Ancelotti and Martino will face off in the first Clasico of the season on October 26.
The Blaugrana coach was left troubled by his side's inability to create chances without the talismanic Lionel Messi to spearhead the attack
Gerardo Martino admitted Barcelona lacked a cutting edge after they laboured to a 1-0 victory over Malaga on Sunday evening.
The Liga champions found chances hard to come by at La Rosaleda, securing the three points thanks to Adriano's long distance effort in the first half.
And Martino felt his side's level of performance suffered as the game went on and felt they should've created more given their superior possession throughout.
“Today Barcelona started well but we were worse as the game went on,” conceded the 50-year-old.
“We lacked some effectiveness and chances for all of the possession we had.
“Until the 25th minute of the second half, we had complete control – only at the end did we not have the ball and they had two very good chances.
Neymar again had to settle for a place on the bench, despite scoring his first goal against Atletico Madrid in midweek, but Martino was quick to praise the Brazilian for his impact after coming on.
“There is a difference between Neymar’s first game and his latest one,” the 50-year-old pointed out.
“The important thing is that he always brings something when he’s playing.”
The Barcelona coach was also quizzed about Lionel Messi’s fitness and revealed he will continue to monitor the Argentine's condition ahead of the second leg of their Spanish Super Cup clash on Tuesday.
“Messi worked at the club today. We’ll see how he feels," he said.
“There’s two days remaining before the game, but we are very pleased with his progress.”
Barcelona take on Atleti having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Madrid, in which Messi was withdrawn at half-time after bruising the muscle in his left thigh.
Real Madrid made it two wins from two in La Liga this season thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over Granada on Monday.
Karim Benzema's second goal of the season after nine minutes was enough for Carlo Ancelotti's men to take all three points from their trip to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
While Real exerted plenty of pressure on Lucas Alcaraz's side, they were made to work hard for their opportunities and could not add to their lead.
Ancelotti started Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back in place of Daniel Carvajal, while Angel Di Maria came in for the injured Sami Khedira.
For the hosts, Diego Mainz replaced Jeison Murillo in the heart of their defence.
Real had won their last five games in all competitions and began positively, with Benzema dinking over Roberto - but off target - five minutes in.
However, four minutes later, the France international found the net to give the visitors the advantage.
Di Maria's deep cross found Cristiano Ronaldo in the six-yard box, but while the Portuguese struggled to control the delivery, Benzema was on hand to divert the ball home.
Youssef El-Arabi should have equalised 10 minutes later, but his tame effort was hit straight at Diego Lopez.
While Real were content to keep the ball and probe, neither they nor their opposition were able to create further goalscoring opportunities as Ancelotti's men took a slender one-goal lead in at the break.
Granada saw a claim for a penalty turned down 12 minutes after the interval after an Allan Nyom effort appeared to deflect of Arbeloa's arm.
That sparked the half into life, with Real playmaker Isco beating Manuel Iturra on the left four minutes later before striking the outside of Roberto's post.
Real continued to threaten, with Ronaldo forcing two saves from the home goalkeeper, but Ancelotti's side had to settle for a slender win.
