Real Sociedad stun Madrid as Barca scrape win
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E-mail Xinhua, September 1, 2014
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David Zurutuza scored two as Real Sociedad came from 2-0 down to win 4-2. |
Real Sociedad produced the shock of the week in Spain's BBVA Primera Liga as they hammed title hopefuls Real Madrid 4-2 in the Anoeta Stadium.
The Basque side showed immense character going into the game after crashing out of the Europa League in midweek and falling 0-2 behind after just 10 minutes to goals from Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos, but Real Madrid's weaknesses in defending high balls was to cost them dear as Inigo Martinez and David Zurutuza drew Real Sociedad level before halftime.
There was only one side in it after the break as Real Sociedad tore into Madrid and Zurutuza's second of the night put the home side ahead with 25 minutes remaining and Carlos Vela sealed the win after 75 minutes.
The result makes some of Real Madrid's summer sales, such as the recent departures of Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso look unwise at best as the team now looks seriously unbalanced, while Iker Casillas must be questioned after another weak performance in goal.
B-team striker Sandro Ramirez joined Munir as another Barcelona youngster to get his name on the scoresheet in the start to the season.
Sandro came off the bench and was on hand to tap home Leo Messi's pass from close range to give Barca a narrow 1-0 win away to a solid Villarreal in a game that saw Villarreal hit the woodwork twice and Leo Messi once.
Barca controlled possession but it was not until eight minutes from time that Sandro scored his vital goal to maintain Barca's 100 percent start to the season.
Meanwhile former Barca winger, Isaac Cuenca scored a last minute penalty to give Deportivo la Coruna a last minute equalizer to seal a 2-2 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano.
Saturday saw Atletico Madrid struggled to a narrow 2-1 win over recently promoted Eibar. Joao Mirando and Mario Mandzukic had put the reigning Champions 2-0 ahead after just 25 minutes, but Atletico were forced onto the back foot shortly afterwards after Abraham scored a spectacular shot for the visitors and spent much of the second half holding on for a draw.
Athletic Club Bilbao followed on from their midweek qualification for the group stage of the Champions League with a routine 3-0 win at home to Levante.
The Basques showed how dangerous they are from set pieces with headed goals from Aritz Aduriz just after the half hour, and Spain international, Ander Iturraspe on 50 minutes, while Iker Muniain tapped in from close range with 15 minutes remaining.
Cordoba and Celta Vigo braved temperatures of over 35 degrees centigrade in Cordoba's first top flight home game in 42 years. Fabian Orellana at the start of the second half, but Cordoba took their first point of the campaign thanks to Fede Cantabia's equalizer 11 minutes after the break.
Sevilla won 2-1 away to Espanyol in the 11pm kick off. Carlos Bacca and Iborra put the visitors 2-0 ahead and Christian Stauni's late goal was nothing more than a consolation for the home side.
The round of games began on Friday and saw another impressive performance from a new-look Valencia and striker Paco Alcazar was able to celebrate his call up for the Spain national squad with a goal in a comfortable 3-0 win over Malaga, who were reduced to 10 men early in the game after Darder was shown a direct red card.
Finally just 4,000 fans turned up to watch Getafe defeat Almeria 1-0.
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