A humbling weekend for the big guns in Spain with defeats for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruna and league leaders Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first away win since March after going down 2-0 at promoted Racing Santander.
A first start for Ronaldo was unable to inspire Vincento Del Bosque’s men, and goals from Mario Regueiroand winger Pedro Munitis, currently on loan from Real, sealed the win.
Barca fans hoping to see Juan Roman Riquelme’s first league start were left disappointed as he was left on the bench as the Catalan giants lost 2-1 at Valladolid. Goals from David Aganzo and sub Valentin Pachon clinched victory for Valladolid, although Javier Saviola did pull a goal back late on. The defeat sees Louis Van Gaal’s side drop down into the botom half of the table.
Deportivo also suffered a surprise defeat, beaten 3-1 at Villareal. Sanchez Victor put them ahead after seven minutes, but an own goal from Cesar Sampaio and further strikes from Fernandez Manuel (61) and Brazilian international Juliano Belletti, gave Villareal the points.
Champions Valencia could only manage a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid, while Real Sociedad head the division despite being held 2-2 at Alaves.
Martin Astudillo had put Alaves ahead, but Turkish midfielder Kahveci Nihat and the evergreen Valeri Karpin placed Sociedad in the driving seat. However a late Ruben Navarro goal gave Alaves a share of the points.
Elsewhere Espanyol reacted to the sacking of coach Juande Ramos by grabbing their first win of the campaign, beating Recreativo at home 2-0.
Real Betis’ unbeaten recordwas ended by a 1-0 defeat at home to Mallorca, and Celta Vigo were also beaten at home by a single goal. Athetico Bilbao and Malaga drew 1-1 and Osasuna beat Sevilla 2-1.
