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Barcelona overwhelm Real Madrid

November 20, 2005 09:13 IST
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Barcelona moved top of the Primera Liga after an irresistible attacking display overwhelmed arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Champions Barca have 25 points from 12 games, the same as Osasuna, who were held to a goalless draw at Getafe, but lead the standings with their superior goal difference.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring in the 15th minute after spinning clear of the defence following a streaking run and pass from Lionel Messi.

The 18-year-old Argentine forward, with his electric pace, was a constant handful for Real until he was substituted, and forced goalkeeper Iker Casillas to make two great saves.

Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho sealed the win with two sensational solo efforts in the 60th and 78th minutes as Barca ran away with the game.

"It was a spectacular game and very important for us to win against Real, especially at their ground," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

"It's very satisfying for the moment but we can't afford to ease up, we have to maintain the same rhythm and intensity in the next few games."

Real midfielder Zinedine Zidane said: "We lost against a better side and there is nothing more to say about the game.

"We don't need to go looking for excuses, we have to stick together and continue working and fighting hard."

SEVILLE DERBY

Real are third with 21 points, while Villarreal moved into fourth place on 20 after drawing 0-0 at home with Real Zaragoza, taking their unbeaten league run to eight games.

Sevilla went fifth on 20 points after beating city rivals Real Betis 1-0 in a bad-tempered Seville derby.

The home side lost defender Javi Navarro to a red card in the 24th minute but Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca put them in front from the penalty spot five minutes after the restart.

Maresca was also dismissed in the closing stages after a second yellow card, leaving Sevilla with nine men.

Sixth-placed Celta Vigo, who also have 20 points, host Atletico Madrid on Sunday. 

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Source: REUTERS
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