Real Madrid stretched their lead of the Spanish League to five points after beating Recreativo 3-2 on Saturday, taking advantage of Barcelona's humiliating 4-2 defeat against Atletico. After 25 games, defending champions Real have 59 points while Barcelona remain second with 54. La Liga remains a two-horse race with third-placed Villarreal languishing on 46 points. Caceres volleyed past Real keeper Iker Casillas in the 16th minute before captain Raul Gonzales leveled with a brave header 11 minutes later. Recreativo's Beto was sent-off in the 51st minute after beating Gabriel Heinze in an aerial challenge. Real made advantage of their numerical superiority as substitute Robinho put his side ahead with his first touch. The Brazilian international scuffed a loose ball on the edge of the area and fired an unstoppable shot home. He widened the gap one minute from time with an ice-cool chip.
Ronaldinho Recreativo had a consolation goal in the dying seconds with Martins sending a stinging free-kick home. Barca Crushed In another game, Barcelona failed to hold on to a one-goal lead and were downed by Atletico. Ronaldinho's beautiful bicycle shot gave Barca the lead in the 30th minute but Sergio Aguero equalized after six minutes with a deflected shot from the edge of the area. The Argentinean prodigy turned provided as he set up Maxi Rodriguez for Atletico second goal three minutes from the interval. Diego Forlan gave the home side a breathing space in the 63rd minute, successfully converting a penalty past Victor Valdez. Aguero sealed Barcelona's fate in the 72nd minute when he rounded two challengers before dinking home from outside the area. Samuel Eto'o notched the second goal for Barcelona two minutes later.
