Van Nistelrooy goal takes Madrid clear

A long-range finish from Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Real Madrid CF a 1-0 victory at Athletic Club Bilbao that stretched their Primera División lead to seven points.

Single goal enough
With Madrid's nearest challengers FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF not in action until Sunday, the champions had a chance to increase the gap at the top. Both teams came close in an exciting first half, but nine minutes after the interval Van Nistelrooy let fly from distance and the ball looped over the dive of Bilbao goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia. The Dutch striker nearly had another goal midway through the second period but Koikili made a superb saving tackle and Robinho hit the inside of the post. Still, one goal proved enough for Madrid, who need a point at home to S.S. Lazio on Tuesday to make sure of their UEFA Champions League progression.

Valencia held
The same night Valencia CF will be aiming for victory at Chelsea FC to salvage their European hopes, but today they were held 0-0 at CA Osasuna in an uneventful match in which the home side had the best of the few chances. Valencia remained sixth, ten points adrift of Madrid, while Osasuna moved ahead of Athletic into eleventh. Among Sunday's fixtures, Barcelona welcome struggling RC Deportivo La Coruña while Villarreal face lowly Real Betis Balompié.