Sunday, March 2, 2008

Barcelona Abused by Atletico; Juventus Loses; Bayern Beats Schalke

A couple of hours ahead of the Lisbon derby between Sporting and Benfica, let's look at what shapes up to be another great race in Spain, the curious case of Barcelona, and a trip around Europe.

SPAIN
How does Barcelona get absolutely abused at Atletico Madrid, 4-2. This was a 4-1 game for a long time after Ronaldhino's spectacular bicycle kick goal to open the scoring. Real Madrid, meanwhile, wins 3-2 against Huelva.



Barca is five points back of Real, which inched closer to a second straight title, added more mud to Frank Rijkaard's future at Barcelona. Is Jose Mourinho packing yet? He should be.

Dropping three points a few weeks ahead of what would have been a decisive derby between Barca and Real is good enough for me if I'm president Juan Laporte.

ENGLAND
Manchester United gained two points on Arsenal after its 3-0 win over Fulham, and Aston Villa's 1-1 draw at the Emirates. United is a point behind the Gunners for the Premiership lead.

The other spicy race in England is for fourth where Liverpool and cross-town rivals Everton are tooth-and-nail for the final Champions League spot.

ITALY
Fiorentina upset Juventus this morning, 3-2. Inter Travels to Napoli in about a half hour. Milan continues to slide, tying with Lazio yesterday 1-1, while Roma beat up Parma, 4-0. Inter must win to keep its eight-point edge over Roma.

GERMANY
Bayern beat Schalke04 1-0 to put coach Mirko Slomka's tenure at Schalke in deep peril. A loss Wednesday to Porto and ouster from the Champions League is likely the final straw there. Bayern is four points up on Werder Bremen.

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