Real Madrid beat Valencia 2-0

Updated on: 19 April,2010 07:45 AM IST |
AFP |

After last night's 2-0 win over valencia, Madrid only a point behind leaders Barcelona

After last night's 2-0 win over Valencia, Madrid only a point behind leaders Barcelona

Real Madrid striking duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain grabbed a goal apiece as Real moved to within one point of leaders Barcelona at the top of the Spanish League with a 2-0 home win over third-placed Valencia last night to set up a thrilling title finale.

Barcelona's 0-0 draw at neighbours Espanyol 24 hours earlier had given Real a chance to close the gap and Real capitalised on the slip-up with Higuain netting his 25th goal of the season after 25 minutes before Ronaldo finished the game off on 77 minutes with his 20th goal of the season. With five games left Real are just a point behind their arch rivals although if the two teams finish level on points Barcelona, who face Inter Milan tomorrow in the semi-final of the Champions League, will win the title due to their superior head-to-head record.

"Barcelona still have the advantage but being second with 83 points is good and they have the pressure to deal with knowing we are close," said Real's Guti.

"As far as the Champions League is concerned, I have always said that I want Barcelona to lose and besides I have some great friends at Inter," he added.

It was a 16th league home win of the season from 17 games for Real ufffd with a defeat to Barcelona the only blemish ufffd and Higuain is just two goals behind compatriot Lionel Messi, who has scored 27 for Barcelona to lead the race for the 'pichichi' or top-scorer crown.

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