Barcelona made sure they will stay top of the Spanish La Liga with a 4-2 home win over Real Mallorca in the Camp Nou on Saturday. Youngster Pedro Rodriguez scored twice with Thierry Henry and substitute Lionel Messi sealing the three points.
Pedro got his chance as coach Pep Guardiola sent out a weakened side after their midweek trip to Rubin Kazan, with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Messi and Dani Alves all missing from the starting line-up.
He put them ahead after being set up by a clever back-heel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Jose Nunes equalized for Mallorca with a far post header, but two goals before the interval put Barca on the front foot.
Dudo Aouate saved in quick succession from Pedro, Henry and Sergio Busquets but the former eventually grabbed his second five minutes before the break.
It was his eighth goal of the season in five competitions, a feat unmatched in Barca history.
Henry then got on the scoring act after an injury-disrupted campaign after being set up by Pedro.
Mallorca could make little impression after the break and substitute Messi increased Barcelona’s advantage from the penalty spot. Alhassane Keita grabbed a late consolation for Mallorca.
Real Madrid stayed within a point of arch-rivals Barca with a thrilling 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the capital derby in the late kickoff.
Kaka gave Real the lead after just five minutes in the Calderon before Marcelo doubled their advantage.
Sergio Aguero came off the bench and was brought down by Real’s Sergio Ramos who was duly dismissed.
However, Real went further ahead through Gonzalo Higuain after 73 minutes before Atletico scored late through Diego Forlan and Aguero.
In other action on Saturday, Deportivo La Coruna kept up their fine recent form with a 2-0 win at Getafe.
Miguel Mista headed home the opener and set up Luis Felipe for the second.
Struggling Malaga came back from two down to draw 2-2 with Tenerife.
On Sunday, third-placed Sevilla face Villarreal side and challenging Valencia take on Real Zaragoza.
|
4 - 1 
