On The Continent: Moment Of Truth

MOMENT OF TRUTH IN SPAIN
It was a bad weekend in Spain for Real Madrid as Bernd Schuster's men were beaten at home to Valencia and Barcelona won 4-1 against Real Valladolid. Two quick-fire goals midway through the first half at the Bernabeua from Raul and David Villa ensured the sides went into the break level, before the pair found the net again in the second period to make it 2-2. The game seemed set for a draw which would have satisfied the home side in this tough match, but Javier Arizmendi stuck decisively two minutes from the end to seal victory for the visitors.

Barcelona, meanwhile, made sure they took advantage of their rivals' slip by cruising to a comfortable win against Valladolid. Samuel Eto'o fired the hosts ahead on 24 minutes only for a dubiously-won Jonathan Sesma penalty to bring the scores level shortly after. Parity was not resorted for long, however, as Andres Iniesta put Barca back in front two minutes into the second half, before Bojan Krkic struck twice in the remainder of the game to seal a handsome 4-1 win and reduce the gap between themselves and Real to just four points.

According to Real striker Raul, the result signify a "moment of truth" for the title race. "There are many rivals and neither Barcelona nor Villarreal [who are six points behind the leaders in third] can be discounted," he insisted. "We need to fight. There are nine games remaining and every week from now on is going to be a final.