Spain: Barcelona beat Espanyol, Valencia held by Atletico


Written by: Jonathan Roorda
2006-05-06 23:53:38

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol (Allsport)
  Barcelona captain Carles Puyol (Allsport)
BARCELONA, May 6 (SW) - FC Barcelona used the local derby with Espanyol to celebrate their Primera División title with their own fans, while Valencia were held to a draw by Atletico de Madrid.

FC Barcelona - Espanyol 2-0

After securing the title on Wednesday, Barcelona returned home to celebrate this season's success. Team captain Carles Puyol received the national trophy in front of a full Camp Nou stadium.

Espanyol's Daniel Jarque helped the champions by scoring an own goal in the 19th minute. Brazilian Ronaldinho took care of the second goal, setting the score to 2-0 in the 51st minute.

Valencia - Atletico de Madrid 1-1

Valencia were held to a draw by Atletico, and it will be very hard for the 'Bats' to reconquer the second spot and get direct access to the Champions League.

Top scorer David Villa scored from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, but Atletico's Maxi Rodrigues levelled the score seven minutes later.

Italian Amedeo Carboni came on in the 60th minute, to play his last half hour for Valencia at the age of 41. The defender was given the captain's ribbon by David Albelda and a big applause from the fans.

Malaga - Sevilla 0-2

The Andalucian derby between Malaga and Sevilla had the guests take three points, due to which they are fifth in the league with just one match left.

Renato broke the deadlock for Sevilla in the 18th minute, and the lead was doubled by Fernando Sales in the 90th.



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