Deco delight for Barcelona
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Article summary
Deco struck twice as leaders FC Barcelona defeated RCD Mallorca 2-0 while Real Madrid CF lost.
Article body
By Andy Hall
Deco scored twice to help FC Barcelona beat RCD Mallorca and climb seven points clear at the top of the Primera División as Real Madrid CF crashed to defeat, also 2-0, at home to Athletic Club Bilbao.
Valdés save
Mallorca had the chance to go in front on 10 minutes when a penalty was awarded for Carles Puyol's trip on Luis García. The striker took the kick himself, but it was expertly saved by Víctor Valdés. Deco fired Barça in front five minutes later, but Mallorca continued to threaten and Gonzalo De los Santos sent a header on to the crossbar as the first half came to a close.
Deco strikes again
Deco doubled his tally ten minutes into the second half, beating Miguel Moyá at the near post. With victory assured and Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie against Chelsea FC in mind, coach Frank Rijkaard replaced Xavi Hernández, who had taken a knock earlier in the match.
Stars rested
At the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo rested Raúl González, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League duel with Juventus FC - and the decision backfired.
Del Horno strike
Athletic claimed that a blistering Tiko drive had crossed the line and were dismayed when play was waved on, but the Basque side took control just before the hour when Asier Del Horno rose to head Pablo Orbaiz's centre past Iker Casillas.
Iraola double
Luxemburgo brought on his big guns but Athletic extended their lead on 72 minutes when Andoni Iraola was left free to beat Casillas from inside the area. Athletic, who are now unbeaten in ten league games, go eighth on 35 points while Madrid remain second place with 50 points.
Kovacevic late show
In San Sebastián, Real Sociedad de Fútbol were deserved 1-0 winners against Sevilla FC. The Basque side controlled the match but had to wait until the 86th minute to win it - Darko Kovacevic swivelled to smash a low shot through the legs of Aitor Ocio and inside the post. Sevilla remain in third on 41 points while Sociedad edge past CA Osasuna to eleventh.
