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Real's title hopes fade with defeat
Real Madrid effectively waved goodbye to their already faint hopes of mounting a challenge for the Spanish league title when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at modest city neighbours Getafe.
Unlike Real, Barca shook off the disappointment of their Champions League loss to Chelsea with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp on Saturday. Apart from a brief spell of early domination, Real were always on the back foot against the Primera Liga newcomers, who have mounted an impressive bid for survival this season despite their limited resources. A neatly-taken volley by midfielder Raul Albiol and a superb finish from former striker Riki, who was discarded by Real at the end of last season, ensured Getafe of a thoroughly deserved win against their illustrious neighbours. Earlier Villarreal moved up to third spot in the standings, seven points behind Real after striker Diego Forlan inspired them to a 4-1 home win over Espanyol. The Uruguayan scored one goal, made another and then won a penalty in a brilliant display against fellow high-flyers Espanyol. Forlan put Villarreal in front and took his tally for the season to 17 goals when he whipped the ball into the net from the edge of the area 26 minutes into the game at El Madrigal. But Espanyol hit back five minutes later when Albert Lopo scored with a fine diving header after bursting between two defenders to meet Oscar Serrano's cross from the right. Forlan helped restore his side's lead five minutes into the second half when he picked out Juan Pablo Sorin with a pinpoint cross from the right, leaving the Argentine midfielder to finish with a close-range header. Minutes later the former Manchester United player earned a penalty when he was brought down by Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni after darting into the area. Juan Roman Riquelme sent Kameni the wrong way with his spot kick and fellow Argentine Luciano Figueroa completed the rout when he snapped home on the turn after a corner eight minutes from time. LOST RESPECT Real Madrid flattered to deceive in the opening minutes of their match against Getafe, but the Primera Liga newcomers began to lose their respect for the visitors as the half wore on. They played some fluent passing football in midfield and then proceeded to subject Real to some intense pressure as they pinned them back in their area around the half-hour. Roberto Carlos headed an in-swinging corner off the line and Romanian striker Gica Craioveanu forced a sharp save from Iker Casillas with a dipping free kick. Getafe were finally rewarded for their pressure when midfielder Raul Albiol cracked in with a neatly timed volley after Real defender Ivan Helguera had sliced a clearance over his own head in the 37th minute. Vanderlei Luxemburgo's side appeared powerless to respond and Getafe doubled their lead three minutes after the break when former Real Madrid youth player beat the offside trap and curled a shot round Casillas and inside the near post. While Real's strike partners Ronaldo and Raul failed to create any appreciable danger, Luxemburgo decided to throw on Michael Owen 20 minutes into the second half. But it was fellow substitute Santiago Solari who earned his side a late consolation with a superb strike when he slammed home on the half-volley after the ball fell to him on the edge of the area in the final minute.
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