La Liga reports
Reuters - Saturday 27 September 2008, 23:26
MADRID - Brief reports of matches played
in the Primera Liga on Saturday:
REAL BETIS 1 REAL MADRID 2
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy grabbed victory for the
champions in stoppage time with a powerful run down the right
and a low cross shot that beat goalkeeper Castro Espinosa.
Real had taken the lead through Gabriel Heinze in the 19th
minute but were down to 10 men from the 53rd when Brazilian
defender Marcelo conceded a penalty and was sent off for a
reckless challenge from behind on Damia Abella.
Madrid keeper Casillas got a hand to Sergio Garcia's spot
kick but the Betis striker slammed the rebound into the net to
bring the scores level. Garcia was then sent off after a second
yellow in the 82nd for a foul on Royston Drenthe.
SPORTING 0 VILLARREAL 1
A goal by Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi put Villarreal top
of the standings and gave them a boost as they prepare to host
Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It was a frustrating night for promoted Sporting, whose
Croatian striker Mate Bilic spurned several chances. They are
rooted to the bottom without a point, having conceded 20 goals.
ESPANYOL 1 BARCELONA 2
Barcelona seized victory with an injury-time penalty from
Lionel Messi after they turned the game around following crowd
trouble that forced a 10-minute halt in the second half.
A failed clearance from Barca keeper Victor Valdes gifted
Espanyol forward Ferran Corominas a goal and the home side were
still ahead when a flare was lobbed from the upper stand towards
fans below, leading the referee to stop the match.
Thierry Henry equalised after the restart when he picked up
a long forward pass from Xavi. Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni
denied Henry from close range but the rebound off Daniel Jarque
landed at the France striker's feet and he slotted home.
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