Champions Real Madrid showed their class last night as they beat arch rivals Barcelona 4-1 at the Bernebeu Stadium.
Things started in traditional style with the Barcelona players forming a guard of honour and applauding the champions onto the field. In the match, Raúl struck the first blow with a goal from 18 yards. Robben made it 2-0 after the Barca defenders left him unmarked. Higuain, on as a substitute, scored the third and Ruud van Nistelrooy rounded things off with a penalty after Puyol handled the ball inside the area.
Thierry Henry scored a consolation goal for Barcelona but it was not a good night for Frank Rijkaard’s lads. Late in the game, Xavi picked up a second yellow card after speaking out of turn to the referee and was duly ordered back to the dressing room.
Villarreal are now seven points clear of Barcelona in the race for ‘also ran’ after a 2-0 victory over Recreativo Huelva.
Sevilla moved closer to a Champions League spot with a 3-0 win away to Racing Santander.