December 6, 2010 12:58 PM

printer

Messi and Ronaldo score braces for Spanish leaders

Barcelona shook off an improvised four-hour bus and train trip to beat Osasuna 3-0 to stay atop the Spanish league, while Real Madrid stayed two points back by downing 10-man Valencia 2-0.Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Madrid to give him 16 for the season, one ahead of Lionel Messi, who also notched a brace for Barcelona.Lionel Messi deftly threaded a pass that led Pedro Rodriguez through the Osasuna defense in the 26th and Rodriguez gave Osasuna goalie Ricardo Lopez no chance with a sharp strike for the opener.Messi sprinted past the Osasuna defenders and beat Ricardo with a low shot for the second in the 65th and added the third from the penalty spot in the 84th.The match began 45 minutes late after Barcelona was forced to use ground transport to reach Pamplona because of the sickout by Spain's air traffic controllers which had grounded all flights in the country since Friday afternoon."It was difficult for us to get into the game because it has been a long day, but we earned three points in a difficult stadium," Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets said.Ronaldo broke the deadlock against Valencia in the 73rd with a left-footed strike off a counterattack eight minutes after Valencia midfielder David Abelda was sent off.Ronaldo scored his second after galloping from the center line and firing from inside the area.Madrid captain Iker Casillas saved a strike by Juanma Mata near the 10-minute mark in Valencia's best chance of the first half.Valencia withstood the relentless Madrid attack thanks to the inspired play from goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.Guaita held off Sami Khedira when the Germany midfielder found himself alone on goal in the 35th.Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil drew an acrobatic diving save from Guaita with a curling free kick five minutes before the half, and Ronaldo grazed the left post with a brilliant backheeled try as the half finished.After the break Guaita continued to frustrate the Madrid attack, denying Ronaldo a ground shot and smothering a chip attempt by Angel Di Maria early in the second half.Madrid defender Pepe went to the ground to block a close-range shot by Joaquin Sanchez as the game opened up and substitute Karim Benzema tested the Valencia goalie with a rising strike.(Source DDNews)

Most Read
View All arrow-right

No posts found.