La Liga Goals: Atletico Stun Barca in a Classic Match

Atletico Madrid 4 - Barcelona 3 (La Liga, March 1, 2009—longer highlights here.)

Thierry Henry curled a beautiful strike past Leo Franco to give Barca the lead, and Leo Messi doubled the advantage with a nifty swivel of the hips before a cool finish in the box.

But Atletico quickly pulled a goal back, Diego Forlan belting a dipping 30-yard beauty over Valdez.

After the break, Kun Aguero scored the equaliser taking advantage of mistakes in the visitors’ rearguard before firing into the bottom corner. Eto’o played Gudjohnsen through the middle and he teed up Henry for his second of the game.

But back came the hosts, Diego Forlan levelling the match from the spot before Kun Aguero beat Puyol in the tackle and ended an epic match with an 89th-minute winner.

Valencia 1 - Valladolid 2 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Jonathan Sesma gave Valladolid a seventh-minute lead at Valencia and the lead was doubled on the half hour when Raul Albiol turned a cross into his own net. (First half highlights here.)

Carlos Marchena headed Valencia back into the game with a quarter-hour remaining.

Betis 2 - Villarreal 2 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

A Santiago Cazorla brace (6, 36) had handed the visitors a comfortable lead at Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, but Betis hit back through Sergio Garcia (42) and star player Ricardo Oliveira (57).

Racing Santander 1 - Osasuna 1 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Oscar Serrano left-footed bullet was cancelled out by Walter Pandiani’s free header on the stroke of halftime.

Almeria 2 - Getafe 1 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Guerron gave Getafe the lead at Almeria but Negredo’s tap in brought the hosts level.

Sporting Gijon 0 - Mallorca 1 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Arango’s perfect free kick was enough for Mallorca to claim a crucial three points in their relegation battle.

Malaga 0 - Recreativo Huelva 2 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Second-half goals from Camunas and Adrian did the damage for Recre.

Numancia 0 - Deportivo 1 (La Liga, March 1, 2009)

Numancia’s losing streak extended to seven games after Juan Rodriguez scored a 75th minute winner.