2012/13 Football/Soccer Thread.
- Thread starter tartanterrier
- Start date
One is completely dependent on the other. If we do, he'll stay. If not, we'll sell him to United.
This game is on replay today here in the states (fox sports) and i'm off so i'll be able to watch. Also on ESPN 2 they're showing the Man United game live i believe. I enjoy the English Premiere League.
Can't remember the name of who scored it but what a fantastic goal from a perfect pass from Rooney ! Highlight reel forever ! Good luck in your game !
nightwanker
Proud first owner of FreeOnes Playing Cards
Disaster for Barcelona. They lost 4-0 in Munich.
nightwanker
Proud first owner of FreeOnes Playing Cards
Champions League Semi-finals
Bayern Munich v Barcelona 4-0 / 1 May
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid 4-1 / 30 April
Europa League Semi-finals
Fenerbahçe v Benfica 25 April / 2 May
Basel v Chelsea 25 April / 2 May
Bayern Munich v Barcelona 4-0 / 1 May
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid 4-1 / 30 April
Europa League Semi-finals
Fenerbahçe v Benfica 25 April / 2 May
Basel v Chelsea 25 April / 2 May
nightwanker
Proud first owner of FreeOnes Playing Cards
Fenerbahçe v Benfica 1-0
Basel v Chelsea 1-2
Basel v Chelsea 1-2
nightwanker
Proud first owner of FreeOnes Playing Cards
Premier League - Liverpool put six past appalling Newcastle
Premier League, St James' Park - Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6 (Agger 3, Henderson 17, 76, Sturridge 54, 60, Borini 74)
Liverpool put a controversial week behind them as a Luis Suarez-less XI turned on the style to destroy Newcastle 6-0 at St James' Park.
Suarez's 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic had cast a cloud over Liverpool's preparations but they exploited what was a horrendous performance from the struggling hosts to suggest that all may not be lost without their star striker.
Daniel Agger headed Liverpool into a third-minute lead before former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson claimed the first of his two goals when completing a sweeping team move that was characteristic of the visiting side's swagger on Tyneside.
Daniel Sturridge then profited from a stunning assist from Philippe Coutinho to make it 3-0 after 54 minutes, and the England international soon added another following another lapse of concentration in the home defence.
Fabio Borini netted a fifth less than a minute after making his return from injury and, after Mathieu Debuchy had been dismissed for a second bookable offence, Henderson scored directly from the resulting free-kick.
While Liverpool sit five points behind local rivals Everton in seventh, the damaging defeat leaves Newcastle just five clear of relegation - and both Wigan and Aston Villa have four games remaining to their five.
Liverpool's answer to the question of how best to recalibrate their attack given the suspension given to Suarez was to bring in Sturridge as the lone striker, with Coutinho and Stewart Downing operating wide of him.
If Liverpool were suffering from the punishment given to their star player then they do not let it show in a blistering start at St James' Park: they had the lead after only three minutes when Agger was left completely alone to steer a header out of reach of Robert Elliot.
Newcastle were warned again soon after when Coutinho carved open the home defence to play in Henderson, only for his pass to run just long, and on 17 minutes the Brazilian did find his range as he helped Liverpool claim a second.
Sturridge laid the ball off to Coutinho in the centre circle with a lovely touch and the January signing from Inter took a touch before returning the favour with a sumptuous pass into space. Sturridge drew Elliot from the Newcastle goal before pushing the ball left to Henderson, who tapped into an empty net.
Liverpool were being afforded far too much space by a lacklustre Newcastle and were almost punished again when Lucas Leiva whipped a quick pass into Sturridge and the striker surged forward almost entirely unopposed before lashing a shot at Elliot.
The home side briefly threatened on 36 minutes when James Perch met a Massadio Haidara cross unopposed, but the midfielder criminally headed off target before the game began to develop a nasty edge just before half-time.
After a flurry of yellow cards, cameras picked up Cheick Tiote treading on Sturridge, while the Newcastle midfielder was also involved in a silly tangle with Glen Johnson which earned both men a talking to from referee Andre Marriner.
Newcastle made two changes as the break as Perch and Jonas Gutierrez were removed for Yoan Gouffran and Hatem Ben Arfa, and the game lost its tetchy edge - even if Liverpool's intensity failed to dip. On 54 minutes they increased their lead. Coutinho supplied a quite brilliant assist to find Sturridge and the striker took a touch before lashing a shot past Elliot and into the roof of the net.
A thoroughly dismal Newcastle performance should have had a moment of respite when Ben Arfa saw a firm drive cannon off the outstretched arm of Lucas Leiva but referee Marriner waved play on and within minutes Liverpool had extended their lead.
Henderson was set free by a neat ball over the top of the defence and with Newcastle's back four all out of position, he squared for Sturridge to take a touch and stroke the ball home for his second and Newcastle's fourth.
Rodgers then summoned Borini from the bench for his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury in February and the Italy international did not even need a minute to underline his credentials in the absence of Suarez, poking a neat shot into the fine corner following excellent work from Downing.
Newcastle's misery deepened when Debuchy was given a second yellow card for a foul on Coutinho and Henderson, delivering the set-piece from wide of the right, saw his inswinger creep inside the far post. As the fans poured out of St James' Park, Coutinho almost sent them home with a seven when his rasping effort was tipped onto the bar.
As a demonstration of what Liverpool can achieve without Suarez, it was compelling. Newcastle were handed their biggest home defeat since the 1920s.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) - The home side had an array of star performers but the Brazilian's brilliance shone through. His hugely influential performance was almost capped by a goal too.
PLAYER RATINGS
NEWCASTLE: Elliot 5, Debuchy 4, Yanga-Mbiwa 5, Taylor 5, Haidara 5, Cabaye 5, Perch 5, Tiote 4, Sissoko 5, Gutierrez 4, Cisse 5. Subs: Gouffran 5, Ben Arfa 5, Anita 5.
LIVERPOOL: Reina 6, Johnson 7, Agger 7, Carragher 6, Enrique 6, Gerrard 7, Lucas 7, Henderson 9, Coutinho 9, Downing 8, Sturridge 9. Subs: Borini 7, Shelvey 6, Suso 6.
Premier League, St James' Park - Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6 (Agger 3, Henderson 17, 76, Sturridge 54, 60, Borini 74)
Liverpool put a controversial week behind them as a Luis Suarez-less XI turned on the style to destroy Newcastle 6-0 at St James' Park.
Suarez's 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic had cast a cloud over Liverpool's preparations but they exploited what was a horrendous performance from the struggling hosts to suggest that all may not be lost without their star striker.
Daniel Agger headed Liverpool into a third-minute lead before former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson claimed the first of his two goals when completing a sweeping team move that was characteristic of the visiting side's swagger on Tyneside.
Daniel Sturridge then profited from a stunning assist from Philippe Coutinho to make it 3-0 after 54 minutes, and the England international soon added another following another lapse of concentration in the home defence.
Fabio Borini netted a fifth less than a minute after making his return from injury and, after Mathieu Debuchy had been dismissed for a second bookable offence, Henderson scored directly from the resulting free-kick.
While Liverpool sit five points behind local rivals Everton in seventh, the damaging defeat leaves Newcastle just five clear of relegation - and both Wigan and Aston Villa have four games remaining to their five.
Liverpool's answer to the question of how best to recalibrate their attack given the suspension given to Suarez was to bring in Sturridge as the lone striker, with Coutinho and Stewart Downing operating wide of him.
If Liverpool were suffering from the punishment given to their star player then they do not let it show in a blistering start at St James' Park: they had the lead after only three minutes when Agger was left completely alone to steer a header out of reach of Robert Elliot.
Newcastle were warned again soon after when Coutinho carved open the home defence to play in Henderson, only for his pass to run just long, and on 17 minutes the Brazilian did find his range as he helped Liverpool claim a second.
Sturridge laid the ball off to Coutinho in the centre circle with a lovely touch and the January signing from Inter took a touch before returning the favour with a sumptuous pass into space. Sturridge drew Elliot from the Newcastle goal before pushing the ball left to Henderson, who tapped into an empty net.
Liverpool were being afforded far too much space by a lacklustre Newcastle and were almost punished again when Lucas Leiva whipped a quick pass into Sturridge and the striker surged forward almost entirely unopposed before lashing a shot at Elliot.
The home side briefly threatened on 36 minutes when James Perch met a Massadio Haidara cross unopposed, but the midfielder criminally headed off target before the game began to develop a nasty edge just before half-time.
After a flurry of yellow cards, cameras picked up Cheick Tiote treading on Sturridge, while the Newcastle midfielder was also involved in a silly tangle with Glen Johnson which earned both men a talking to from referee Andre Marriner.
Newcastle made two changes as the break as Perch and Jonas Gutierrez were removed for Yoan Gouffran and Hatem Ben Arfa, and the game lost its tetchy edge - even if Liverpool's intensity failed to dip. On 54 minutes they increased their lead. Coutinho supplied a quite brilliant assist to find Sturridge and the striker took a touch before lashing a shot past Elliot and into the roof of the net.
A thoroughly dismal Newcastle performance should have had a moment of respite when Ben Arfa saw a firm drive cannon off the outstretched arm of Lucas Leiva but referee Marriner waved play on and within minutes Liverpool had extended their lead.
Henderson was set free by a neat ball over the top of the defence and with Newcastle's back four all out of position, he squared for Sturridge to take a touch and stroke the ball home for his second and Newcastle's fourth.
Rodgers then summoned Borini from the bench for his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury in February and the Italy international did not even need a minute to underline his credentials in the absence of Suarez, poking a neat shot into the fine corner following excellent work from Downing.
Newcastle's misery deepened when Debuchy was given a second yellow card for a foul on Coutinho and Henderson, delivering the set-piece from wide of the right, saw his inswinger creep inside the far post. As the fans poured out of St James' Park, Coutinho almost sent them home with a seven when his rasping effort was tipped onto the bar.
As a demonstration of what Liverpool can achieve without Suarez, it was compelling. Newcastle were handed their biggest home defeat since the 1920s.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) - The home side had an array of star performers but the Brazilian's brilliance shone through. His hugely influential performance was almost capped by a goal too.
PLAYER RATINGS
NEWCASTLE: Elliot 5, Debuchy 4, Yanga-Mbiwa 5, Taylor 5, Haidara 5, Cabaye 5, Perch 5, Tiote 4, Sissoko 5, Gutierrez 4, Cisse 5. Subs: Gouffran 5, Ben Arfa 5, Anita 5.
LIVERPOOL: Reina 6, Johnson 7, Agger 7, Carragher 6, Enrique 6, Gerrard 7, Lucas 7, Henderson 9, Coutinho 9, Downing 8, Sturridge 9. Subs: Borini 7, Shelvey 6, Suso 6.
Premier League - Rooney named top flight's richest player
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is the richest player in the Premier League with a fortune estimated at £51m.
Rooney was highest-placed of the twenty-four Premier League players are among the top 100 richest sportsmen in Britain and Ireland, according to the Sunday Times rich list.
Rooney's fortune has risen by £6m from 2012 and his combined wealth with wife Coleen is estimated at £64m.
United team mate Rio Ferdinand is ranked second on £42m while Stoke City striker Michael Owen - who retires at the end of the season - is third on £38m.
Values are based on identifiable wealth including land, property, assets including art and race horses, and shares in publicly quoted companies.
Former England captain David Beckham, now playing for Paris St Germain, is ranked 11th in the Sunday Times world sporting rich list with a worth of £165m.
World number one golfer Tiger Woods is top of that chart on £570m.
Premier League top 10:
1. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £51 million
2. Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) £42 million
3. Michael Owen (Stoke City) £38 million
=4. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) £34 million
=4. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) £34 million
6. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) £33 million
7. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) £26 million
8. John Terry (Chelsea) £24 million
9. Joe Cole (West Ham United) £21 million
10. Petr Cech (Chelsea) £20 million
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is the richest player in the Premier League with a fortune estimated at £51m.
Rooney was highest-placed of the twenty-four Premier League players are among the top 100 richest sportsmen in Britain and Ireland, according to the Sunday Times rich list.
Rooney's fortune has risen by £6m from 2012 and his combined wealth with wife Coleen is estimated at £64m.
United team mate Rio Ferdinand is ranked second on £42m while Stoke City striker Michael Owen - who retires at the end of the season - is third on £38m.
Values are based on identifiable wealth including land, property, assets including art and race horses, and shares in publicly quoted companies.
Former England captain David Beckham, now playing for Paris St Germain, is ranked 11th in the Sunday Times world sporting rich list with a worth of £165m.
World number one golfer Tiger Woods is top of that chart on £570m.
Premier League top 10:
1. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £51 million
2. Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) £42 million
3. Michael Owen (Stoke City) £38 million
=4. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) £34 million
=4. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) £34 million
6. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) £33 million
7. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) £26 million
8. John Terry (Chelsea) £24 million
9. Joe Cole (West Ham United) £21 million
10. Petr Cech (Chelsea) £20 million
Premier League - Hart's gaffe mars City win
Premier League, Etihad Stadium - Manchester City 2 (Aguero 28, Y Toure 83) West Ham (Carroll 90+3)
Two high-quality goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure gave Manchester City a 2-1 home win over West Ham in the Premier League, but a disastrous piece of goalkeeping from Joe Hart denied them a clean sheet in injury time.
City's title was snatched away from them on Monday but Roberto Mancini's side are still aiming to approach the FA Cup final in top form and produced a stylish performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Aguero put City in front after 28 minutes when converting following a flowing team move that included contributions from Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri, who pulled the ball back for the striker to score his 11th Premier League goal of the season.
Nasri also supplied the second assist after 83 minutes as he knocked a pass square for Toure, who lashed a brilliant effort into the top corner.
However, after sustaining a back injury, Hart was guilty of a shocking lapse deep into added time as a shot from Andy Carroll trundled straight through the legs of the England number one.
West Ham were unchanged from last weekend's win over Wigan while City brought in David Silva and Aguero for James Milner and Edin Dzeko, as well as Joleon Lescott for Matija Nastasic in the back four.
City's attack, rich in quality, almost clicked inside 10 seconds. From kick-off, Nasri embarked on a thrilling run and poked a pass through for Carlos Tevez, but the striker was well offside as he fired a shot at Jussi Jaaskelainen. A former hero at Upton Park, Tevez was in lively form against his former side, with the Argentinian striker rifling a 20-yard effort right at the West Ham keeper and then sending another effort over the bar.
West Ham's early strategy appeared to be to kick Silva out of the game as the playmaker was on the receiving end of heavy challenges from Winston Reid and Mohamed Diame. A rare chance fell to Diame, but his firm volley from the edge of the box was too close to Joe Hart.
It was City who controlled the first half, with Aguero striking the post with a scuffed effort from a deflected Silva pass, and on 28 minutes they equalled a club record for scoring in 48 consecutive home games - the previous mark being set between November 1927 and February 1930.
The move was supremely well-worked, with Toure, Silva and Nasri all involved in a quick interchange of passes before the Frenchman cut back for Aguero, who squeezed his shot under Jaaskelainen. And only a smart save from the keeper prevented a second before the break as he blocked from Pablo Zabaleta after spilling Nasri's initial effort from the edge of the box.
City looked fluent in possession with Silva back in the side to shape their attacks, and they constructed another nice move after the restart when Nasri skipped away from two men and scooped a gorgeous pass over the defence for Tevez, who saw his firm effort take a touch off Winston Reid and go behind.
The roles were reversed on 61 minutes when Tevez released Nasri in the box with a quite sensational reverse pass and the midfielder's drive was touched over the bar by Jaaskelainen. Tevez was then teed up by Aguero, who snaked away from James Collins in the box, before seeing a goal-bound effort deflected over by Joey O'Brien.
As City continued to apply pressure to the visiting defence, Nasri spurned a huge chance to make it 2-0 on 72 minutes. Tevez broke free on the right and delivered a tantalising cross, and the Frenchman looked certain to score - but he was caught in two minds over which foot to take it with, and failed to make the necessary connection.
After West Ham almost threatened an ill-deserved equaliser when Matt Jarvis had a shot blocked by what looked like the arm of Zabaleta and James Collins drove the loose ball wide, City finally killed the game off with seven minutes remaining. Toure received a square pass from Nasri just outside the box, knocked it onto his left foot and then thundered a shot into the top corner.
The hosts could have extended their lead as Aguero was denied by a fine block by Guy Demel before putting another presentable chance wide after Jaaskelainen spilled a shot from Zabaleta. However, it was West Ham who had the final say.
Hart had pulled up with back pain but soldiered on for the final minutes and looked completely ill at ease when a decently-struck effort from Carroll somehow snuck through his legs and rolled over the line to deny City a clean sheet in a game they should have won far more comfortably.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Samir Nasri (Manchester City) - Two assists for the Frenchman, who appears to be finding his best form now the title race has concluded. Nasri was lively throughout and was always looking to open up the West Ham defence.
PLAYER RATINGS
MAN CITY: Hart 5, Zabaleta 8, Kompany 7, Lescott 8, Clichy 6, Barry 6, Y Toure 7, Silva 7, Tevez 7, Nasri 8, Aguero 7. Subs: Milner 6, Garcia 6, K Toure N/A.
WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen 5, Demel 6, Collins 6, Reid 5, O'Brien 5, Vaz Te 5, Nolan 6, Diame 6, O'Neil 6, Jarvis 5, Carroll 7. Subs: Collison 6, Taylor 6, Cole 6.
Premier League, Etihad Stadium - Manchester City 2 (Aguero 28, Y Toure 83) West Ham (Carroll 90+3)
Two high-quality goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure gave Manchester City a 2-1 home win over West Ham in the Premier League, but a disastrous piece of goalkeeping from Joe Hart denied them a clean sheet in injury time.
City's title was snatched away from them on Monday but Roberto Mancini's side are still aiming to approach the FA Cup final in top form and produced a stylish performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Aguero put City in front after 28 minutes when converting following a flowing team move that included contributions from Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri, who pulled the ball back for the striker to score his 11th Premier League goal of the season.
Nasri also supplied the second assist after 83 minutes as he knocked a pass square for Toure, who lashed a brilliant effort into the top corner.
However, after sustaining a back injury, Hart was guilty of a shocking lapse deep into added time as a shot from Andy Carroll trundled straight through the legs of the England number one.
West Ham were unchanged from last weekend's win over Wigan while City brought in David Silva and Aguero for James Milner and Edin Dzeko, as well as Joleon Lescott for Matija Nastasic in the back four.
City's attack, rich in quality, almost clicked inside 10 seconds. From kick-off, Nasri embarked on a thrilling run and poked a pass through for Carlos Tevez, but the striker was well offside as he fired a shot at Jussi Jaaskelainen. A former hero at Upton Park, Tevez was in lively form against his former side, with the Argentinian striker rifling a 20-yard effort right at the West Ham keeper and then sending another effort over the bar.
West Ham's early strategy appeared to be to kick Silva out of the game as the playmaker was on the receiving end of heavy challenges from Winston Reid and Mohamed Diame. A rare chance fell to Diame, but his firm volley from the edge of the box was too close to Joe Hart.
It was City who controlled the first half, with Aguero striking the post with a scuffed effort from a deflected Silva pass, and on 28 minutes they equalled a club record for scoring in 48 consecutive home games - the previous mark being set between November 1927 and February 1930.
The move was supremely well-worked, with Toure, Silva and Nasri all involved in a quick interchange of passes before the Frenchman cut back for Aguero, who squeezed his shot under Jaaskelainen. And only a smart save from the keeper prevented a second before the break as he blocked from Pablo Zabaleta after spilling Nasri's initial effort from the edge of the box.
City looked fluent in possession with Silva back in the side to shape their attacks, and they constructed another nice move after the restart when Nasri skipped away from two men and scooped a gorgeous pass over the defence for Tevez, who saw his firm effort take a touch off Winston Reid and go behind.
The roles were reversed on 61 minutes when Tevez released Nasri in the box with a quite sensational reverse pass and the midfielder's drive was touched over the bar by Jaaskelainen. Tevez was then teed up by Aguero, who snaked away from James Collins in the box, before seeing a goal-bound effort deflected over by Joey O'Brien.
As City continued to apply pressure to the visiting defence, Nasri spurned a huge chance to make it 2-0 on 72 minutes. Tevez broke free on the right and delivered a tantalising cross, and the Frenchman looked certain to score - but he was caught in two minds over which foot to take it with, and failed to make the necessary connection.
After West Ham almost threatened an ill-deserved equaliser when Matt Jarvis had a shot blocked by what looked like the arm of Zabaleta and James Collins drove the loose ball wide, City finally killed the game off with seven minutes remaining. Toure received a square pass from Nasri just outside the box, knocked it onto his left foot and then thundered a shot into the top corner.
The hosts could have extended their lead as Aguero was denied by a fine block by Guy Demel before putting another presentable chance wide after Jaaskelainen spilled a shot from Zabaleta. However, it was West Ham who had the final say.
Hart had pulled up with back pain but soldiered on for the final minutes and looked completely ill at ease when a decently-struck effort from Carroll somehow snuck through his legs and rolled over the line to deny City a clean sheet in a game they should have won far more comfortably.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Samir Nasri (Manchester City) - Two assists for the Frenchman, who appears to be finding his best form now the title race has concluded. Nasri was lively throughout and was always looking to open up the West Ham defence.
PLAYER RATINGS
MAN CITY: Hart 5, Zabaleta 8, Kompany 7, Lescott 8, Clichy 6, Barry 6, Y Toure 7, Silva 7, Tevez 7, Nasri 8, Aguero 7. Subs: Milner 6, Garcia 6, K Toure N/A.
WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen 5, Demel 6, Collins 6, Reid 5, O'Brien 5, Vaz Te 5, Nolan 6, Diame 6, O'Neil 6, Jarvis 5, Carroll 7. Subs: Collison 6, Taylor 6, Cole 6.
Liga - Real edge Atletico in Madrid derby
Real Madrid tightened their grip on second place and cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to eleven points as they came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon.
Despite conceding an early goal and chasing the game for large periods, Los Blancos made it ten successive wins over their fierce rivals and consolidated their position in the automatic Champions League spots.
The win puts Real six points ahead of Atletico in second place, and gives them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League second-leg with Borussia Dortmund.
Jose Mourinho made nine changes to the side that were comprehensively beaten in Dortmund during the week - and it showed, as his makeshift defence crumbled after just three minutes. Gabi's free-kick was fumbled by Diego Lopez, who was once again selected ahead of Iker Casillas, and Diego Godin’s cross to the back post was headed home by the unmarked Radamel Falcao.
Against the run of play the visitors were soon level, however. Angel di Maria’s in-swinging free-kick flicked off the chest of the hapless Juanfran and nestled in the far corner despite the best efforts of Thibaut Courtois to stop an own goal.
Spurred on by their woeful recent record against Real and the opportunity to draw level on points with them, the home side had the better of the first period but struggled to break down a shaky-looking away defence.
Atletico’s dominance continued after the break and they should have taken the lead again when nice build-up play from Falcao created the opening for Gabi - but he inexplicably shot wide with just Lopez to beat.
Shortly after, the Colombian striker had a penalty appeal waved away after a clumsy-looking challenge by Michael Essien before Diego Costa cracked a header against the crossbar.
The hosts would go on to pay for their missed opportunities as Mourinho’s side landed the killer blow with half an hour remaining. Karim Benzema’s perfectly weighted ball gave the on-rushing Di Maria a chance to take a touch and compose himself before firing low past Courtois.
Late on, Filipe was released by Adrian Lopez and had several good options to pass, but he instead shot lamely into the side netting.
Atletico’s 14 years of derby pain will continue for a few weeks at least, but they’ll have the chance to right the wrongs when the two sides meet in the Copa del Rey final on May 17th.
Real Madrid tightened their grip on second place and cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to eleven points as they came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon.
Despite conceding an early goal and chasing the game for large periods, Los Blancos made it ten successive wins over their fierce rivals and consolidated their position in the automatic Champions League spots.
The win puts Real six points ahead of Atletico in second place, and gives them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League second-leg with Borussia Dortmund.
Jose Mourinho made nine changes to the side that were comprehensively beaten in Dortmund during the week - and it showed, as his makeshift defence crumbled after just three minutes. Gabi's free-kick was fumbled by Diego Lopez, who was once again selected ahead of Iker Casillas, and Diego Godin’s cross to the back post was headed home by the unmarked Radamel Falcao.
Against the run of play the visitors were soon level, however. Angel di Maria’s in-swinging free-kick flicked off the chest of the hapless Juanfran and nestled in the far corner despite the best efforts of Thibaut Courtois to stop an own goal.
Spurred on by their woeful recent record against Real and the opportunity to draw level on points with them, the home side had the better of the first period but struggled to break down a shaky-looking away defence.
Atletico’s dominance continued after the break and they should have taken the lead again when nice build-up play from Falcao created the opening for Gabi - but he inexplicably shot wide with just Lopez to beat.
Shortly after, the Colombian striker had a penalty appeal waved away after a clumsy-looking challenge by Michael Essien before Diego Costa cracked a header against the crossbar.
The hosts would go on to pay for their missed opportunities as Mourinho’s side landed the killer blow with half an hour remaining. Karim Benzema’s perfectly weighted ball gave the on-rushing Di Maria a chance to take a touch and compose himself before firing low past Courtois.
Late on, Filipe was released by Adrian Lopez and had several good options to pass, but he instead shot lamely into the side netting.
Atletico’s 14 years of derby pain will continue for a few weeks at least, but they’ll have the chance to right the wrongs when the two sides meet in the Copa del Rey final on May 17th.
Italian Serie A - Napoli win to keep title race alive
Napoli pummelled Pescara in a 3-0 victory that means Juventus' Serie A celebrations must wait.
After a goalless opening period, Napoli found their feet in the second half as Goekhan Inler (46 minutes), Goran Pandev (58 minutes) and Blerim Dzemaili (81 minutes) all found the net.
Napoli's win keeps them within eight points of Juventus, though the leaders have a chance to extend that lead back to 11 points on Sunday when they take on Torino in the Turin derby.
With four matches still to go after this weekend, however, Juventus will have to wait at least another week to clinch the title no matter what happens.
In the day's other matches Udinese climbed to fifth place with a 1-0 win away at Cagliari, Roberto Pereyra's goal in the 56th minute the difference between the sides.
And mid-table Atalanta and Bergamo - neither of whom have anything to play for - shared a 1-1 draw, with Luigi Giorgi's 67th-minute effort for Atalanta being cancelled out nine minutes later by Alberto Gilardino.
Napoli pummelled Pescara in a 3-0 victory that means Juventus' Serie A celebrations must wait.
After a goalless opening period, Napoli found their feet in the second half as Goekhan Inler (46 minutes), Goran Pandev (58 minutes) and Blerim Dzemaili (81 minutes) all found the net.
Napoli's win keeps them within eight points of Juventus, though the leaders have a chance to extend that lead back to 11 points on Sunday when they take on Torino in the Turin derby.
With four matches still to go after this weekend, however, Juventus will have to wait at least another week to clinch the title no matter what happens.
In the day's other matches Udinese climbed to fifth place with a 1-0 win away at Cagliari, Roberto Pereyra's goal in the 56th minute the difference between the sides.
And mid-table Atalanta and Bergamo - neither of whom have anything to play for - shared a 1-1 draw, with Luigi Giorgi's 67th-minute effort for Atalanta being cancelled out nine minutes later by Alberto Gilardino.
European Football - Fans brick up Rapid Vienna's entrance
Rapid Vienna slumped to another defeat on Saturday, losing 3-1 at home to Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga after fans bricked over the entrance to the club's offices in another protest at the team's form.
The supporters, furious at Rapid's recent poor run, built a small wall to block the front door during the early hours of Saturday morning.
They attached a photograph of general manager Werner Kuhn with the caption: "I'm not allowed in."
Two weeks ago, Rapid fans boycotted the first half of a match against Wiener Neustadt.
Rapid's problems continued at the Gerhard Hanappi stadium as the blew a 1-0 lead, leaving new coach Zoran Barisic waiting for his first win since replacing Peter Schoettel who was fired after a cup defeat to third tier Pasching 10 days ago.
Deni Alar had put the 32-times Austrian champions ahead in the 63rd minute but Brazilian Alan replied almost immediately, then converted a 70th minute penalty.
Dusan Svento completed the win in the last minute.
Second-placed Salzburg, sponsored by energy drinks giants Red Bull, cut the gap with faltering leaders Austria Vienna, who visit FC Admira on Sunday, to one point with five games to go.
Rapid Vienna slumped to another defeat on Saturday, losing 3-1 at home to Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga after fans bricked over the entrance to the club's offices in another protest at the team's form.
The supporters, furious at Rapid's recent poor run, built a small wall to block the front door during the early hours of Saturday morning.
They attached a photograph of general manager Werner Kuhn with the caption: "I'm not allowed in."
Two weeks ago, Rapid fans boycotted the first half of a match against Wiener Neustadt.
Rapid's problems continued at the Gerhard Hanappi stadium as the blew a 1-0 lead, leaving new coach Zoran Barisic waiting for his first win since replacing Peter Schoettel who was fired after a cup defeat to third tier Pasching 10 days ago.
Deni Alar had put the 32-times Austrian champions ahead in the 63rd minute but Brazilian Alan replied almost immediately, then converted a 70th minute penalty.
Dusan Svento completed the win in the last minute.
Second-placed Salzburg, sponsored by energy drinks giants Red Bull, cut the gap with faltering leaders Austria Vienna, who visit FC Admira on Sunday, to one point with five games to go.
Ligue 1 - Mass brawl after Valbuena secures win for Marseille
Mathieu Valbuena scored the only goal as Olympique Marseille consolidated second place in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win at Lorient in a game that ended in a mass brawl.
Valbuena fired in a loose ball from just outside the box in the 25th minute as Marseille recorded a 1-0 victory for the 12th time this season and their seventh clean sheet in a row.
There were angry scenes at the final whistle after Fabien Audard slapped Valbuena in the face.
Lorient goalkeeper Audard and Andre Ayew of Marseille were sent off as tempers flared among both sets of players.
Marseille have 64 points with four games left, six behind leaders Paris St Germain who visit lowly Evian Thonon Gaillard on Sunday, and are looking good for the second Champions League spot next season.
Coach Elip Baup's Marseille finished Saturday's game with three injured players.
Defender Rod Fanni picked up a thigh problem and is out for 10 days. Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac will miss three or four days of training with an ankle injury and midfielder Benoit Cheyrou has concerns about his thigh.
Olympique Lyon, who have 59 points in third position and are five points adrift of Marseille, host fourth-placed St Etienne (57) on Sunday.
"This is a very important weekend," Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda told Canal Plus television.
"At this stage of the season the most important thing is the three points and 1-0 is our favourite scoreline."
Valbuena went close to scoring in the seventh minute when Audard palmed away his curling free kick from 25 metres.
The keeper shone again in the 23rd minute when he kept out a long-range effort from Gignac.
Audard was then beaten by a half-volley from Valbuena after he had parried an effort from Ayew into the path of the French international.
Lorient, seventh on 50 points, pushed for an equaliser in the second half but Mandanda stopped a powerful Maxime Barthelme strike in the 72nd minute and the woodwork denied the attacking midfielder a minute later.
Nancy, who climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in seven months last weekend, drew 0-0 at Valenciennes and are fifth from bottom on 35 points, one point above safety.
Champions Montpellier stayed eighth on 48 points despite a 2-1 defeat at Ajaccio.
Andy Delort's 82nd-minute penalty for Ajaccio cancelled out Anthony Mounier's second-half opener before Dennis Oliech headed the winner in the last minute.
Ajaccio's Fousseni Diawara was shown a straight red card for a violent tackle in the 47th minute and Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda missed the resulting penalty.
Abdelhamid El Kaoutari of Montpellier was also sent off eight minutes from time when he committed the foul that caused Delort's penalty.
Mathieu Valbuena scored the only goal as Olympique Marseille consolidated second place in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win at Lorient in a game that ended in a mass brawl.
Valbuena fired in a loose ball from just outside the box in the 25th minute as Marseille recorded a 1-0 victory for the 12th time this season and their seventh clean sheet in a row.
There were angry scenes at the final whistle after Fabien Audard slapped Valbuena in the face.
Lorient goalkeeper Audard and Andre Ayew of Marseille were sent off as tempers flared among both sets of players.
Marseille have 64 points with four games left, six behind leaders Paris St Germain who visit lowly Evian Thonon Gaillard on Sunday, and are looking good for the second Champions League spot next season.
Coach Elip Baup's Marseille finished Saturday's game with three injured players.
Defender Rod Fanni picked up a thigh problem and is out for 10 days. Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac will miss three or four days of training with an ankle injury and midfielder Benoit Cheyrou has concerns about his thigh.
Olympique Lyon, who have 59 points in third position and are five points adrift of Marseille, host fourth-placed St Etienne (57) on Sunday.
"This is a very important weekend," Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda told Canal Plus television.
"At this stage of the season the most important thing is the three points and 1-0 is our favourite scoreline."
Valbuena went close to scoring in the seventh minute when Audard palmed away his curling free kick from 25 metres.
The keeper shone again in the 23rd minute when he kept out a long-range effort from Gignac.
Audard was then beaten by a half-volley from Valbuena after he had parried an effort from Ayew into the path of the French international.
Lorient, seventh on 50 points, pushed for an equaliser in the second half but Mandanda stopped a powerful Maxime Barthelme strike in the 72nd minute and the woodwork denied the attacking midfielder a minute later.
Nancy, who climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in seven months last weekend, drew 0-0 at Valenciennes and are fifth from bottom on 35 points, one point above safety.
Champions Montpellier stayed eighth on 48 points despite a 2-1 defeat at Ajaccio.
Andy Delort's 82nd-minute penalty for Ajaccio cancelled out Anthony Mounier's second-half opener before Dennis Oliech headed the winner in the last minute.
Ajaccio's Fousseni Diawara was shown a straight red card for a violent tackle in the 47th minute and Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda missed the resulting penalty.
Abdelhamid El Kaoutari of Montpellier was also sent off eight minutes from time when he committed the foul that caused Delort's penalty.
Win puts Ajax on verge of Dutch title hat-trick
Ajax Amsterdam stayed firmly on course for a third straight Dutch championship title after winning 2-0 at NAC Breda on Saturday.
The leaders have 70 points with two matches remaining and can secure the crown next week with a victory at home to bottom club Willem II Tilburg.
Breda, five points above the relegation playoffs, played well in the first half and went close to scoring when a header from Eric Botteghin hit the bar.
Iceland striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson then put the visitors in front two minutes into the second half when he netted despite having his back to goal.
Five minutes later Tim Gilissen headed the ball into his own goal as he tried to clear a corner at the near post.
"It wasn't easy today. They started at a furious pace and put us under pressure but the opening goal settled us down," said Ajax skipper Siem de Jong.
Jeremain Lens struck twice as second-placed PSV Eindhoven remained four points off the pace with a 5-2 win over Groningen.
Tim Matavz, Dries Mertens (penalty) and Mark van Bommel were also on target for PSV while Michael de Leeuw bagged a double for Groningen.
Second from bottom VVV Venlo raced four points clear of Willem II with a 1-1 draw at ADO Den Haag.
The bottom club go down and the next two teams go through to a relegation playoff.
Ajax Amsterdam stayed firmly on course for a third straight Dutch championship title after winning 2-0 at NAC Breda on Saturday.
The leaders have 70 points with two matches remaining and can secure the crown next week with a victory at home to bottom club Willem II Tilburg.
Breda, five points above the relegation playoffs, played well in the first half and went close to scoring when a header from Eric Botteghin hit the bar.
Iceland striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson then put the visitors in front two minutes into the second half when he netted despite having his back to goal.
Five minutes later Tim Gilissen headed the ball into his own goal as he tried to clear a corner at the near post.
"It wasn't easy today. They started at a furious pace and put us under pressure but the opening goal settled us down," said Ajax skipper Siem de Jong.
Jeremain Lens struck twice as second-placed PSV Eindhoven remained four points off the pace with a 5-2 win over Groningen.
Tim Matavz, Dries Mertens (penalty) and Mark van Bommel were also on target for PSV while Michael de Leeuw bagged a double for Groningen.
Second from bottom VVV Venlo raced four points clear of Willem II with a 1-1 draw at ADO Den Haag.
The bottom club go down and the next two teams go through to a relegation playoff.
League One - Late goal sends Doncaster up as champions
Doncaster clinched the League One title ahead of Bournemouth with a dramatic stoppage-time goal to sink Brentford.
In a breathtaking finish to the regular season, Brentford had the chance to seal Championship football from 12 yards when awarded a stoppage-time penalty at home to Doncaster with the winners guaranteed an automatic promotion spot.
But Marcello Trotta hit the crossbar with his penalty and Rovers broke amid the chaos with James Coppinger sealing all three points.
Doncaster would have taken the berth with a draw, but the victory saw them finish top after Bournemouth drew 0-0 at Tranmere.
At the other end of the table, Scunthorpe's late barrage of goals in a 3-1 win over Swindon could not prevent them from dropping to League Two after Colchester sealed survival with a 2-0 win at Carlisle.
League One results
Brentford 0 - 1 Doncaster R.
Bury 3 - 2 Yeovil
Carlisle U. 0 - 2 Colchester U.
Crawley 2 - 2 Hartlepool U.
Crewe Alexandra 2 - 0 Walsall
Leyton Orient 1 - 1 Oldham Athletic
Notts County 2 - 2 Coventry C.
Scunthorpe U. 3 - 1 Swindon T.
Sheffield U. 0 - 0 Preston North End
Shrewsbury T. 3 - 2 Portsmouth
Stevenage 0 - 2 Milton Keynes Dons
Tranmere R. 0 - 0 Bournemouth
Doncaster clinched the League One title ahead of Bournemouth with a dramatic stoppage-time goal to sink Brentford.
In a breathtaking finish to the regular season, Brentford had the chance to seal Championship football from 12 yards when awarded a stoppage-time penalty at home to Doncaster with the winners guaranteed an automatic promotion spot.
But Marcello Trotta hit the crossbar with his penalty and Rovers broke amid the chaos with James Coppinger sealing all three points.
Doncaster would have taken the berth with a draw, but the victory saw them finish top after Bournemouth drew 0-0 at Tranmere.
At the other end of the table, Scunthorpe's late barrage of goals in a 3-1 win over Swindon could not prevent them from dropping to League Two after Colchester sealed survival with a 2-0 win at Carlisle.
League One results
Brentford 0 - 1 Doncaster R.
Bury 3 - 2 Yeovil
Carlisle U. 0 - 2 Colchester U.
Crawley 2 - 2 Hartlepool U.
Crewe Alexandra 2 - 0 Walsall
Leyton Orient 1 - 1 Oldham Athletic
Notts County 2 - 2 Coventry C.
Scunthorpe U. 3 - 1 Swindon T.
Sheffield U. 0 - 0 Preston North End
Shrewsbury T. 3 - 2 Portsmouth
Stevenage 0 - 2 Milton Keynes Dons
Tranmere R. 0 - 0 Bournemouth
League Two - Barnet relegated as Wimbledon survive on final day
Edgar Davids' Barnet side will join Aldershot in non-league football next season as AFC Wimbledon sealed survival.
Jack Midson's second-half penalty gave Wimbledon a 2-1 home win over Fleetwood after the Londoners had seen their initial lead wiped out after just three minutes.
Victory ensured there would be at least someone finishing below the Dons with Dagenham hosting York City, but despite the Daggers being made to sweat by a 1-0 defeat, Barnet's 2-0 loss at Northampton ensured it would be Davids' men and Aldershot departing 'the 92'.
Champions Gillingham were much-changed in a 3-2 defeat at Burton Albion - who will compete in the play-offs - but will care little about the result having already sealed promotion.
Rotherham, however, made sure on the day with a 2-0 success which confirmed Aldershot's relegation. They snuck into second place ahead of Port Vale, who could only draw at Wycombe.
League Two results
Accrington 0 - 3 Oxford U.
AFC Wimbledon 2 - 1 Fleetwood
Burton 3 - 2 Gillingham
Cheltenham 0 - 0 Bradford C.
Chesterfield 4 - 0 Exeter C.
Dagenham & R'bridge 0 - 1 York C.
Rochdale 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Rotherham U. 2 - 0 Aldershot T.
Southend U. 0 - 1 Morecambe
Torquay U. 3 - 3 Bristol R.
Wycombe W. 1 - 1 Port Vale
Northampton T. 2 - 0 Barnet
Edgar Davids' Barnet side will join Aldershot in non-league football next season as AFC Wimbledon sealed survival.
Jack Midson's second-half penalty gave Wimbledon a 2-1 home win over Fleetwood after the Londoners had seen their initial lead wiped out after just three minutes.
Victory ensured there would be at least someone finishing below the Dons with Dagenham hosting York City, but despite the Daggers being made to sweat by a 1-0 defeat, Barnet's 2-0 loss at Northampton ensured it would be Davids' men and Aldershot departing 'the 92'.
Champions Gillingham were much-changed in a 3-2 defeat at Burton Albion - who will compete in the play-offs - but will care little about the result having already sealed promotion.
Rotherham, however, made sure on the day with a 2-0 success which confirmed Aldershot's relegation. They snuck into second place ahead of Port Vale, who could only draw at Wycombe.
League Two results
Accrington 0 - 3 Oxford U.
AFC Wimbledon 2 - 1 Fleetwood
Burton 3 - 2 Gillingham
Cheltenham 0 - 0 Bradford C.
Chesterfield 4 - 0 Exeter C.
Dagenham & R'bridge 0 - 1 York C.
Rochdale 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Rotherham U. 2 - 0 Aldershot T.
Southend U. 0 - 1 Morecambe
Torquay U. 3 - 3 Bristol R.
Wycombe W. 1 - 1 Port Vale
Northampton T. 2 - 0 Barnet
Spanish Liga - Athletic Bilbao keep Barcelona waiting for title
La Liga, Estadio San Mames - Athletic Bilbao 2 (Susaeta 27, Herrera 90’) Barcelona 2 (Messi 67’ Sanchez 69’)
Barcelona must wait at least another week to wrap up the title after conceding a late goal to draw 2-2 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday while second-placed Real Madrid won 2-1 at city rivals Atletico.
Victory for Barca at the San Mames and defeat for Real in the Madrid derby at the Calderon would have given the leaders an unassailable 16-point advantage with five La Liga matches left.
Real's comeback win meant Barca's lead was cut to 11 points and the Catalans now have to wait until after their likely elimination from the Champions League at home to Bayern Munich for another chance to secure a fourth Spanish crown in five years.
With an eye on Wednesday's semi-final second leg, when Barca need to overturn a 4-0 deficit against the Germans, coach Tito Vilanova initially left La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi and playmaker Andres Iniesta on the bench.
Bilbao, without a home win in six La Liga games against Barca, took a surprise 27th-minute lead when Aritz Aduriz crossed for Markel Susaeta to finish from close range.
Barca huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but were fortunate not to fall 2-0 behind when Susaeta struck a free kick against the crossbar 10 minutes into the second half.
Only when Argentina forward Messi, who missed the last three La Liga games with a hamstring strain, came off the bench on the hour did Barca find their cutting edge.
The World Player of the Year brilliantly weaved his way through a crowd of defenders to equalise in the 67th minute and Alexis Sanchez, who earlier struck the post, made it 2-1 two minutes later from a Messi assist.
Messi's goal, his 44th in 33 league matches this season, set another record as it took his tally away from home to 24, one more than the previous best set by Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo last term.
The Argentine has also scored at least one goal in his last 20 league appearances while Barca equalled their La Liga record by scoring for the 26th consecutive away match.
They looked to have another three points safely in the bag before Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera rifled a low shot into the corner of the net on 90 minutes to send the home fans into raptures on a wet and chilly evening in the Basque Country.
"The Athletic stadium is a very difficult place to play and you saw that as we had the match won," Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura told a news conference.
"We are closing in on our goal bit by bit."
Real Madrid, 4-1 down to Borussia Dortmund after Wednesday's semi-final first leg, are also facing Champions League elimination and coach Jose Mourinho fielded a second-string side at Atletico.
He was also missing Portuguese compatriot Ronaldo, Real's top La Liga scorer with 31 goals who damaged a thigh muscle at Dortmund.
Atletico, who began the game three points behind Real in third spot and seeking their first win in 22 meetings with their city rivals, took the lead in the fourth minute when Colombia striker Radamel Falcao nodded his 26th league goal of the season.
Real were level nine minutes later when Angel Di Maria's inswinging free kick took a slight deflection off defender Juanfran and flew past keeper Thibaut Courtois into the net.
After Real repelled some intense Atletico pressure, Di Maria struck a 63rd-minute winner after running on to Karim Benzema's pass and firing a low shot past Courtois into the far corner.
It was a rare moment of quality in a scrappy game littered with play acting, fouls and yellow cards and was a poor advert for next month's King's Cup final when the two teams will meet at the Bernabeu.
Barca host Real Betis next weekend while Real Madrid take on Real Valladolid.
La Liga, Estadio San Mames - Athletic Bilbao 2 (Susaeta 27, Herrera 90’) Barcelona 2 (Messi 67’ Sanchez 69’)
Barcelona must wait at least another week to wrap up the title after conceding a late goal to draw 2-2 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday while second-placed Real Madrid won 2-1 at city rivals Atletico.
Victory for Barca at the San Mames and defeat for Real in the Madrid derby at the Calderon would have given the leaders an unassailable 16-point advantage with five La Liga matches left.
Real's comeback win meant Barca's lead was cut to 11 points and the Catalans now have to wait until after their likely elimination from the Champions League at home to Bayern Munich for another chance to secure a fourth Spanish crown in five years.
With an eye on Wednesday's semi-final second leg, when Barca need to overturn a 4-0 deficit against the Germans, coach Tito Vilanova initially left La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi and playmaker Andres Iniesta on the bench.
Bilbao, without a home win in six La Liga games against Barca, took a surprise 27th-minute lead when Aritz Aduriz crossed for Markel Susaeta to finish from close range.
Barca huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but were fortunate not to fall 2-0 behind when Susaeta struck a free kick against the crossbar 10 minutes into the second half.
Only when Argentina forward Messi, who missed the last three La Liga games with a hamstring strain, came off the bench on the hour did Barca find their cutting edge.
The World Player of the Year brilliantly weaved his way through a crowd of defenders to equalise in the 67th minute and Alexis Sanchez, who earlier struck the post, made it 2-1 two minutes later from a Messi assist.
Messi's goal, his 44th in 33 league matches this season, set another record as it took his tally away from home to 24, one more than the previous best set by Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo last term.
The Argentine has also scored at least one goal in his last 20 league appearances while Barca equalled their La Liga record by scoring for the 26th consecutive away match.
They looked to have another three points safely in the bag before Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera rifled a low shot into the corner of the net on 90 minutes to send the home fans into raptures on a wet and chilly evening in the Basque Country.
"The Athletic stadium is a very difficult place to play and you saw that as we had the match won," Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura told a news conference.
"We are closing in on our goal bit by bit."
Real Madrid, 4-1 down to Borussia Dortmund after Wednesday's semi-final first leg, are also facing Champions League elimination and coach Jose Mourinho fielded a second-string side at Atletico.
He was also missing Portuguese compatriot Ronaldo, Real's top La Liga scorer with 31 goals who damaged a thigh muscle at Dortmund.
Atletico, who began the game three points behind Real in third spot and seeking their first win in 22 meetings with their city rivals, took the lead in the fourth minute when Colombia striker Radamel Falcao nodded his 26th league goal of the season.
Real were level nine minutes later when Angel Di Maria's inswinging free kick took a slight deflection off defender Juanfran and flew past keeper Thibaut Courtois into the net.
After Real repelled some intense Atletico pressure, Di Maria struck a 63rd-minute winner after running on to Karim Benzema's pass and firing a low shot past Courtois into the far corner.
It was a rare moment of quality in a scrappy game littered with play acting, fouls and yellow cards and was a poor advert for next month's King's Cup final when the two teams will meet at the Bernabeu.
Barca host Real Betis next weekend while Real Madrid take on Real Valladolid.
