17 Oct 2010

Real Madrid go top of La Liga

6:36 pm on 17 October 2010

Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol scored to help Barcelona to a 2-1 comeback victory at home to Valencia but it was Real Madrid who moved to the top of spanish football's La Liga with a 4-1 win in Malaga.

Valencia started the day as the unbeaten league leaders in Spain and Pablo Hernandez's strike before the break had their hosts on the rack.

The champions rose to the challenge in the second half, however, and fit-again Spain midfielder Xavi set up both goals to put them second with 16 points from seven games, ahead of Valencia on goal difference.

Jose Mourinho's Real climbed one point above both of them after the late game, two goals apiece from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo sweeping them past Malaga.

Earlier, Atletico Madrid overcame local rivals Getafe 2-0 with goals from Simao, whose freekick went in after hitting the post and then the keeper, and Diego Costa.