Ronaldo, Higuain put Real top for the 'Clasico'

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain scored in a 2-0 victory away to Racing Santander yesterday to ensure Real Madrid hold top spot in La Liga before next weekend's visit of title rivals Barcelona.

Ronaldo netted from the penalty spot in the first half and Higuain raced clear to double the lead in the 76th minute, but there was little else of note in a low-key game.

Real moved onto 77 points with eight matches left to play, ahead of Barcelona on goal difference, after the champions swept aside Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on Saturday.

The head-to-head record between the sides decides first place if they end up level on points, and Barca hold the edge after a 1-0 win at the Nou Camp in November.

Earlier, Spain striker David Villa scored twice in the last five minutes to help keep Valencia on course for next season's Champions League with a 3-0 win at home to Osasuna.

Winger Joaquin struck just after the break at Mestalla and Villa scored in the 89th and then again from the penalty spot in time added on, to take his tally for the season to 20.

Results

Almeria vs Mallorca 1-1; Getafe vs Espanyol 1-1; Sporting Gijon vs Xerez 2-2; Valencia vs Osasuna 3-0; Valladolid vs Villarreal 0-2; Racing Santander vs Real Madrid 0-2; Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo 3-0. Played on Saturday: Barcelona vs Ath. Bilbao 4-1; Real Zargoza vs Malaga 2-0; Sevilla vs Tenerife 3-0.

Leading standings: Real Madrid, Barcelona 77; Valencia 56; Sevilla, R. Mallorca 48; A. Bilbao 45; Villarreal 43; Deportivo 42; Getafe 41.