Ten-man Real Madrid survived a late fightback by Atletico Madrid to win 3-2 and keep the pressure on Spanish league leaders Barcelona.

In an action-packed derby clash at the Calderon, Kaka gave Real the lead after just five minutes although their were suspicions of a foul on Cleber Santana in the lead-up.

Chances came and went for both sides but Real were more clinical with Marcelo doubling the advantage with an acute drive with his weaker right foot.

Still not fully fit, Sergio Aguero was left on the bench but was introduced after the break and after running through on goal was brought down by Sergio Ramos who was dismissed.

However, Real went further ahead through Gonzalo Higuain after 73 minutes before Atletico launched an assault which saw Diego Forlan and Aguero both score.

Youngster Pedro Rodriguez scored a brace as Barcelona kept up a one-point lead over Real with a 4-2 win over Real Mallorca.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sent out a second string side with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Leo Messi and Dani Alves all missing from the starting line-up.

Although perhaps not as fluid as at their best, Barcelona dominated the game and went ahead through Pedro after a delightful back-heel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jose Nunes levelled for Mallorca, heading home at the far post from a corner but Barcelona scored twice in the run-up to half-time to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Pedro scored again and then Thierry Henry scored his first goal after an injury-plagued start to the season.

Mallorca were unable make any real inroads after the break and substitute Messi increased Barcelona's advantage from the penalty spot.

There was still time at the end for a consolation from Alhassane Keita.

"It wasn't all bad," said Guardiola. "Last year nobody gave us any chance and each step that we made was met by surprise, but this year there is no room for surprises.

"It is not that easy but while we are doing well in the league and in Europe we can do better."

Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano was disappointed how his team caved-in during the five minutes before half-time.

"They were just too much for us at that point, we did well up until the 40th minute and drawing 1-1 we caused them some problems," he said.

A battling performance by Deportivo La Coruna saw them keep up their push for a place in Europe with a 2-0 win at Getafe despite being reduced to nine men.

Getafe had only lost once at home so far to Barcelona but they went behind after 14 minutes when Miguel Mista headed home a cross from full back Luis Felipe.

Deportivo remained solid despite the loss of Riki Sanchez for two yellow cards and extended their lead after 58 minutes with Mista providing the assist for Luis Felipe.

The visitors then saw Sergio Gonzalez dismissed after receiving his second booking but Deportivo held on for the win.

Struggling Malaga picked up an important point against Tenerife who will consider they should have won the game.

Despite Malaga being the better side, Tenerife stormed into a two-goal lead through Roman Martinez and Alejandro Alfaro.

Malaga hit back through Edinho Arnaldo and the striker could have scored again before half-time but his header came back off the crossbar.

With just 13 minutes remaining Javi Lopez found the back of the net to earn Malaga reward for their efforts.

On Sunday, Sevilla face a rejuvenated Villarreal side and are likely to have Frederic Kanoute and Adriano available after fitness scares.

Following a woeful start to the season under Ernesto Valverde, Villarreal have moved up the table with back-to-back wins in the league.

Valencia must recover their morale when they take on Zaragoza after letting a two-goal lead slip in the Europa League against Slavia Prague and returning to the Mestalla with only a draw.

Sporting Gijon meet Espanyol in what is expected to be a tightly fought match between two sides that have made surprisingly good starts to the season and are level on 13 points.

AFP

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