Real Madrid Celebrated It's 31st Spanish league Title With A 4-1 Victory Over FC Barcelona
Figs said
18:22 05/07 2008
MADRID, Spain (AP) - Real Madrid celebrated its 31st Spanish league title with a 4-1 victory over FC Barcelona on Wednesday, getting goals from Raul Gonzalez, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain and Ruud van Nistelrooy to sweep the classic derby series for the first time in 24 years.
Madrid, which clinched the title on Sunday, improved its record against its arch rival to 68-30-58 and only one loss their last seven meetings. It climbed to 81 points atop the table, 10 better than Villarreal and 17 ahead of third-placed Barcelona.
Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez lost possession trying to get by Rafael Marquez in the 13th minute and Raul pounced on the loose ball to shoot past goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Barcelona's defense was to blame when Robben ran clear through in the 21st to meet Guti's free kick. Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the clinching goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Osasuna, added another in the 63rd - less than a minute after replacing Robben.
Substitute Van Nistelrooy converted a penalty in the 78th while Thierry Henry tallied a consolation goal for Barcelona with three minutes remaining.
Barcelona's defeat likely will add to speculation that Frank Rijkaard will not remain as manager of the Catalan club following a second straight season with out a trophy.
Adhering to tradition, Barcelona honored the champion as Real Madrid entered the Santiago Bernabeu field - the first time in 20 years the Catalans have formed the passage of honor for their longtime rivals.
Madrid, which clinched the title on Sunday, improved its record against its arch rival to 68-30-58 and only one loss their last seven meetings. It climbed to 81 points atop the table, 10 better than Villarreal and 17 ahead of third-placed Barcelona.
Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez lost possession trying to get by Rafael Marquez in the 13th minute and Raul pounced on the loose ball to shoot past goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Barcelona's defense was to blame when Robben ran clear through in the 21st to meet Guti's free kick. Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the clinching goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Osasuna, added another in the 63rd - less than a minute after replacing Robben.
Substitute Van Nistelrooy converted a penalty in the 78th while Thierry Henry tallied a consolation goal for Barcelona with three minutes remaining.
Barcelona's defeat likely will add to speculation that Frank Rijkaard will not remain as manager of the Catalan club following a second straight season with out a trophy.
Adhering to tradition, Barcelona honored the champion as Real Madrid entered the Santiago Bernabeu field - the first time in 20 years the Catalans have formed the passage of honor for their longtime rivals.
Souce: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8105654/La-Liga-Roundup,-May-7