Barça steal march on Valencia

Ronaldinho celebrates his goal for Barcelona. Getty Images

Saturday, 28 October 2006 FC Barcelona moved three points clear of Valencia CF at the top of the Primera División after a 3-0 home victory against RC Recreativo de Huelva on Saturday, as their rivals suffered a shock defeat. Ronaldinho double Barcelona, who could have been forgiven for having one eye on the Tuesday visit of Chelsea FC, were worthy winners. Recreativo almost took the lead in the first minute when Víctor Valdés reacted well to keep out Antonio Calle's close-range header but Barça's pressure bore fruit when Eidur Gudjohnsen was fouled on 28 minutes and Ronaldinho obliged from the penalty spot. The Brazilian headed in a second early in the second half and Xavi Hernández wrapped up the victory on the hour. Madrid comeback Spain's other leading title rivals, Real Madrid, came from behind to record a 3-1 win against CG Tarragona, who deservedly took the lead during an impressive first half. Abel Buendés scored for Tarragona from the penalty spot after half an hour before Roberto Carlos equalised with a 44th-minute free-kick that went straight through the defensive wall. Iván Helguera put Fabio Capello's side ahead five minutes into the second half and Robinho then settled matters four minutes from the end to ensure Madrid remain iáásecond place, two points behind Barcelona.