Ronaldo winner lifts Madrid

Real Madrid CF regained the leadership of the Primera División tonight as Ronaldo's winner earned a 2-1 victory at home to Villarreal CF.

Two-point lead
The Brazilian forward's 16th league goal of the season secured the three points at the Santiago Bernabéu to take his side two points clear at the head of the standings. However, previous leaders Valencia CF can move back to the top with victory against Club Atlético Osasuna on Sunday.

Scolari strikes
Madrid's Argentinian midfield player Santiago Solari, playing in place of the injured Zinedine Zidane, opened the scoring after 14 minutes, squeezing a shot under the body of Villarreal goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Decisive second
The home side continued to press and their second goal came nine minutes into the second half when Guti picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and passed for Ronaldo to sweep into the roof of the net. Sergio Ballesteros headed in from a corner four minutes from time to give Villarreal hope, but Madrid held on.

Atlético held
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Club Atlético de Madrid drew 1-1 at Albacete Balompié in this evening's late game. Midfield player Nano put Atlético ahead after 31 minutes with a deflected free-kick but Matias Lequi turned a low right-wing cross into his own net for the Albacete equaliser on the hour.

Contenders in action
Elsewhere on Sunday, third-placed RC Deportivo la Coruña travel to Athletic Club Bilbao. FC Barcelona visit Sevilla FC, and Real Sociedad de Fútbol look to continue their recent resurgence away to another side who surprisingly find themselves towards the bottom of the table, RC Celta de Vigo.