Spain round-up: Madrid back in charge

Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid CF returned to the top of the Primera División thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Valencia CF at the Mestalla.

Back on top
The victory put Madrid two points clear of second-placed Real Sociedad, who face Málaga CF on Sunday, while RC Deportivo La Coruña's hopes of winning the title suffered a major blow as they were defeated 3-0 at RC Celta de Vigo in the Galician derby.

Powerful shot
In Valencia, Ronaldo gave Madrid the lead in the 25th minute when he found space to head past goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares following a cross from Luis Figo before Fábio Aurelio levelled, producing a well-struck shot from the edge of the box which left Iker Casillas with no chance.

Sublime winner
Ronaldo then shot over from a tight angle at the start of the second half but made no mistake with the winner in the 65th minute, collecting Figo's superb ball over the top of the Valencia defence and slotting in after rounding Cañizares.

Significant blow
Brazilian midfield player Edu also scored twice as Celta severely damaged Deportivo's championship chances with an unexpected 3-0 win at the Balaídos stadium. The home side took control of the match after the interval, opening the scoring in the 57th minute when striker Jesuli powerfully headed in a cross from Juanfran.

Edu double
Five minutes later goalscorer turned provider as Edu headed in Jesuli's precise cross. The same player ensured victory in the 78th minute when he latched on to a rebound inside the box and prodded in.

Vital victory
Fernando Torres returned from injury to boost Club Atlético Madrid's European hopes by collecting two goals in a 3-2 defeat of Villarreal CF at the Vicente Calderón.

Two for Torres
Javier Calleja had struck for the away side in the 22nd minute, but the lead was brief as Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena put through his own goal on the half-hour mark. Josico put Villarreal ahead again only for Torres to equalize in the 70th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box and the Atlético striker clinched the victory soon after when he shot in from close range.

Bilbao victory
Athletic Club Bilbao, however, remained in the final UEFA spot and consolidated their position thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Real Racing Club Santander. Pedro Munitis gave the away side the lead a minute into the second half but a goal from Aitor Karanka and Ismael Urzaiz's penalty secured the points for Athletic. In the day's other game, Rayo Vallecano and Club Atlético Osasuna played out a scoreless draw.

Sundays games
On Sunday, FC Barcelona continue their quest for a UEFA Cup berth when they face RC Recreativo de Huelva, as do Sevilla FC against RCD Mallorca. Real Betis Balompié meet Real Valladolid and RCD Mallorca are at home to Deportivo Alavés.