Real Madrid move to top in La Liga

Madrid: Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga on Saturday night after a dramatic 2-1 win at home to FC Barcelona on a rainswept night in Valdebebas. 

First half goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos gave Madrid the win and although Oscar Mingueza pulled a second half goal back for Barca, it was not enough on a game that had alternatives until the final whistle.

Benzema opened the scoring with a backheel after Lucas Vazquez's cross in the 13th minute and Kroos doubled Madrid's lead with a deflected free kick in the 27th minute in a chaotic game played under a pouring rainstorm.

Messi hit the post with a corner and in the second half Oscar Mingueza got Barca back into the game, but it was not enough even though Ilaix Moriba was desperately unlucky to see his shot bounce back of Madrid bar in virtually the last action of the game.

A terrible mix-up between Getafe midfielder, Timor and goalkeeper David Soria, led to Timor putting the ball into his own net to give Cadiz a 1-0 win away to Getafe on Saturday lunchtime.

The win means Cadiz are almost completely safe from relegation, while Getafe still has work to do to avoid the drop.

New Alaves coach Javier Calleja can thank goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco for three fine saves to earn his side a 0-0 draw away to Athletic Club Bilbao.

Pacheco saved from Sancet in the first half and then denied Unai Nunez and Alex Berenguer, who was clean through on goal in the 89th minute to give Alaves a valuable point.

That point sees Alaves climb above Eibar, who drop to the bottom of the table after Jorge de Frutos's goal in the second minute of first-half injury time.

Once again Eibar has more chances than their rivals, but were unable to put the ball into the net and have now failed to win in their last 13 league games.

Two goals from striker Rafa Mir helped Huesca climb out of the bottom three for the first time in 22 weeks as they beat Elche 3-1. The win continues Huesca's improved form under coach Pacheta, who was released by Elche after leading them to promotion last season.