Barcelona tie Real Sociedad in Primera Liga

Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 by xinhuanet.com

There was a major shock in the second round of games played in the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga this weekend as FC Barcelona surrendered a 2-0 lead away to Real Sociedad to draw 2-2 on Saturday night.

Goals from Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabrigas had put Barca 2-0 up after just 11 minutes and it looked to be a matter of how many goals they could score.

However, after losing Alexis Sanchez with a hamstring injury, Barcelona lost concentration and allowed Real Sociedad back into the game.

Real Sociedad scored two goals in just over a minute in the second half thanks to Imanol Agirretxe and Antoine Grizmann and Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola commented afterwards that his side had to learn from their errors.

Real Madrid took advantage of their error by inflicting a 4-2 defeat on Getafe in a controversial game in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Karim Benzema scored twice and Gonzalo Higuain also got on the score-sheet, but a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty with the scores tied 1-1 after 59 minutes, was the decisive moment of the game.

There may or may not have been contact between Ronaldo and Getafe defender Cata Diaz, but what was clear was that the challenge had been outside of the area and for that reason alone a penalty should not have been given.

Venezuelan striker Miku scored twice for Getafe who were unlucky to lose by two goals on the night.

Villarreal played for most of their home game against Sevilla with just 10 men after goalkeeper Diego Lopez was sent off after just 21 minutes.

Alvaro Negredo put Sevilla ahead after 24 minutes, but Giuseppe Rossi and Marco Ruben scored and Villarreal looked to be heading for an epic win before Alexis Ruano assured a share of the points with just five minutes remaining.

Saturday ended with Roberto Soldado's fourth goal of the season giving Valencia a 1-0 win against an impressive Atletico Madrid.

Valencia defended bravely, but Atletico fans can also take heart from a good second half display in which debutants Deigo Ribas and Arda Turam both showed they have plenty to offer their team.h Sunday kicked off at midday with Ruben Castro scoring a late goal to give Betis a 1-0 win at home to Mallorca. The newly promoted side has taken two wins from its first two matches and has maximum points.

There were three afternoon matches: Racing Santander produced a tedious 0-0 at home to Levante in a match that did little to suggest Racing will anything other than struggle this season.

Rayo Vallecano's Javi Fuego missed a penalty as his side were held 0-0 at home to Zaragoza, while Osasuna maintained Sporting Gijon's miserable start to the campaign with a 2-1 win in Pamplona: recent signing, Juan Martinez "Nino" and Alvaro Cejudo scored for the home side, while David Barral pulled a late goal back for the visitors.

Finally Sergio Garcia scored twice as Espanyol defeated Athletic Club Bilbao 2-1. Fernando Llorente scored his first goal in nine games but it was not enough to give his side a point.

Monday sees Malaga entertain Granada in the last game of matchday two.