Diego Forlan retires from international football

Diego Forlan announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending his time with Uruguay's national team as their most-capped player.

The 35-year-old forward played 112 matches for Uruguay and scored 36 goals, while he represented his country at three World Cups, winning the Golden Ball in 2010 as the best player of the tournament in South Africa.

Forlan, who is on the books at Cerezo Osaka, revealed his international retirement at a press conference in Japan, which was simulcast on his official website.

"It was a privilege to enjoy the national team and be part of a group that gave so much to our country, wear the shirt with great people," Forlan said.

Forlan was part of Uruguay's Copa America-winning side - the country's first in 16 years - in 2011, while he finishes his career 13 games ahead of the South American nation's next most-capped player, Benfica defender Maxi Pereira.

The former Manchester United, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid striker also retires as Uruguay's second most-prolific goalscorer behind Luis Suarez (43).

Forlan's last international appearance was against Colombia at last year's World Cup in Brazil.

Spain fall out of top 10 of FIFA rankings

European champions Spain have fallen out of the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time since 2007.

Vicente Del Bosque's side are going through a rebuilding process having meekly surrendered the World Cup title in Brazil last year after exiting at the group stage.

Since then there have been signs of improvement with Spain winning three of their four Euro 2016 qualifying matches, but they have also suffered high-profile friendly defeats to France and Germany.

Italy's improvement by two places subsequently sees Antonio Conte's men return to the top 10 for the first time since June 2014, bumping Spain down to 11th.

The rest of the top 10 remain unchanged with world champions Germany leading the way ahead of Argentina and Colombia.

Lower down the order, Northern Ireland climb eight places to 43rd as they re-enter the top 50.

Gerrard fit for Swansea game

Steven Gerrard will be available for Liverpool when they travel to Swansea City in the Premier League on Monday.

Gerrard confirmed the news in a media conference on Thursday ahead of a charity game to be held at Anfield at the end of the month.

The Liverpool captain has missed the last seven matches after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 victory over Tottenham last month. 

Without Gerrard, Liverpool have won all three of their league outings, although they were dumped out of the UEFA Europa League following a penalty shootout at Besiktas.

With 10 Premier League games remaining - and an FA Cup quarter-final replay with Blackburn Rovers still to come - Gerrard's return to fitness will provide a welcome boost to manager Brendan Rodgers.

INFO

SWANSEA CITY

LWWLD

21:00

LIVERPOOL

DWWLW

Competition

Premier League

Date

16 March 2015

Game week

29

Kick-off

21:00

Venue

Liberty Stadium (Swansea)

Schoolboy arrested over Watford fan attack

Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of being involved in an assault which left a Watford fan fighting for his life on Saturday.

The incident occurred after Watford's 2-2 draw at Wolves, when a 44-year-old man was attacked and taken to hospital with head injuries.

His condition is critical but stable.

A statement from West Midlands police on Thursday confirmed a 13-year-old boy had been arrested, while an 18-year-old, who was arrested on Wednesday, has been released on bail.

The 18-year-old must report to a police station on a daily basis, and is banned from Wolverhampton city centre on match days.

An online fundraising page has been set up by a Wolves fan in aid of the injured Watford supporter - named on the site as Nick Cruwys - and donations have since passed the £25,000 mark.

Racism threatens Russia 2018´s viability

FIFA vice president Jeffrey Webb has cast doubt on the future of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, claiming the tournament cannot be held there with the current level of racism in the country.

Qualification for Russia 2018 began on Thursday but Webb, who also serves as CONCACAF's president, believes FIFA will have to move the World Cup somewhere else if the Eurasian nation does not clean up its act.

According to the World Values Survey - an international network of social scientists - between 15 and 20 per cent of the Russian population answered "people of another race" when asked to pick groups they would not want as neighbours in 2013.

For countries such as the United States, Australia, Sweden and Britain the percentage dropped to between zero and five per cent.

Webb confirmed this is a concern for FIFA, despite the fact football's global governing body selected Russia ahead of Portugal-Spain, Belgium-Netherlands and England in 2010.

"Definitely Russia poses a huge challenge for FIFA and the World Cup from a racism standpoint," Webb told ESPNFC.com on Thursday.

The prevalence of racism in Russian society is mirrored in its football.

In September, Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk was the subject of racist chants during a match against Spartak Moscow, while in 2013, Manchester City's Yaya Toure suffered similar treatment in a UEFA Champions League match away to CSKA Moscow.

In 2012, a Zenit fan group sent a petition to the Russian Premier League club demanding the St Petersburg-based outfit never sign "black players" or those from "sexual minorities".

The Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) Network released a report last month detailing 99 reported incidents of racism in Russian football from May 2012 to May 2014.

Fare proposed a number of ideas to improve tolerance in Russian football but conceded "the opportunity to bring about long-term change [prior to the World Cup] may have passed".

But Webb was more positive, although he did not shy away from the amount of work required.

"There's a lot of work there to be done from a educational aspect," he said.

"[Russia's] minister of sport [Vitaly Mutko], who is also on the FIFA executive committee, has acknowledged that, and I believe now they're going to put some plans in place to start to tackle diversity education programs.

"From our task force standpoint, we now have a dedicated staff who works with us on racism, and they're working very closely with Russia to implement and execute education programs.

"It's a huge opportunity to influence some change and we better influence some change over the next three years. We have to. We can't have a World Cup there under the current conditions."

Real Madrid give Ancelotti vote of confidence

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a vote of confidence by club president Florentino Perez.

The Italian has endured a challenging few days after a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday was followed by a 4-3 reverse at the hands of Schalke in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Defeat to Athletic saw Real lose their place at the top of La Liga to fierce rivals Barcelona, though they were still able to progress in the Champions League courtesy of a 2-0 victory in the first leg.

Ancelotti faces a crucial month, which will see Madrid travel to Camp Nou to face Barca in what could well become a title decider.

Real fans voiced their disapproval at the final whistle on Tuesday, while Ancelotti insisted he was not fearful of losing his job - a feeling which appears well-founded.

"Whatever happens in the next few weeks, Carlo Ancelotti will remain as Real Madrid coach," Perez said.

"The attacks on our coach and players is being over exaggerated. The club has full confidence in our coach and our players.

"Carlo Ancelotti has experience. He is focused on his job and has no doubt that we will have a good season.

"Carlo Ancelotti has the confidence and affection of the president and the board of directors.

"I am here to say that whatever happens in the Clasico will not change anything."

Perez was far less forthcoming when asked if the Italian was safe in his job next season, replying: "I've said what I've said."

Mourinho: Give Ibrahimovic red to David Luiz

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on UEFA to overturn the controversial red card shown to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Wednesday's dramatic Champions League last-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ligue 1 champions PSG progressed to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule after drawing 2-2 after extra time at Stamford Bridge, despite being down to 10 men in the 31st minute when Sweden international Ibrahimovic was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Oscar.

The decision of referee Bjorn Kuipers looked a harsh one with Ibrahimovic appearing to pull out of the challenge.

And Mourinho, who worked with Ibrahimovic during his time as Inter coach, believes it would be a shame if the former Barcelona striker was not allowed to play in the quarter-finals.

"I was very far from the Ibrahimovic situation and I couldn't see it," he said. "I spoke with him after the game, and when he speaks with me he's always honest.

"He would tell me if there was a reason for a red card. He was very disappointed. If that's the case I hope they can minimise the mistake and let him play in the quarter-finals because if he did nothing wrong he deserves that."

However, the Portuguese stated that Ibrahimovic's punishment should be passed on to to former Chelsea man David Luiz - who scored PSG's first equaliser - for an apparent elbow on Diego Costa that went unpunished on the night.

Mourinho was also less than impressed that Costa was denied a first-half penalty after going to ground under a challenge from Edinson Cavani.

"It was a clear penalty on Diego Costa. Once more I think it's a waste of time and money to have officials behind the goal because normally they do nothing," he added. 

"If he cannot see a penalty 10 metres from him where it's completely clear it's a waste of time and money.

"David's elbow I didn't see, but when UEFA gives him the man of the match I have to believe there was no elbow because I can't believe UEFA would give the man of the match to someone who made an aggression.

"Because they cannot give us the penalty, maybe they can do what is fair from the disciplinarian point of view and suspend David and take the red card off Ibra and let him play in the quarter-finals."

Mourinho lacked respect - Silva

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has accused Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho of showing his side a lack of respect.

Mourinho criticised an "aggressive" PSG in the build-up to Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie.

But Silva and his team-mates had the last laugh, as the defender's header deep into extra time earned a 2-2 draw and qualification via the away goals rule, despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's red card after half an hour.

"I think Mourinho did not have enough respect for us," Silva told Canal Plus.

"This goal is not personal revenge even if there are people [who] have talked a lot, saying they [Chelsea] were happy to face Paris."

Cologne served with €200,000 fine and partial stadium closure

Cologne have been handed a €200,000 fine and a series of partial stadium closures following crowd trouble at matches against Borussia Monchengladbach and Duisburg.

Tens of Cologne fans donning white boiler suits emerged from a section of the ground housing away supporters at Monchengladbach last month after Granit Xhaka had netted a stoppage-time winner.

Flares were also hurled onto the playing surface, before the offenders made their way from the pitch as police closed in.

In addition, a number of supporters forced their way into the stadium for a cup clash with Duisburg in October - an incident also taken into account as the German Football Association (DFB) settled on a punishment.

Of the €200,000, €120,000 will be invested in violence prevention measures, while Cologne - who banned the Boyz fan group following the Monchengladbach incident - will have to close sections of their for matches against Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke in April and May.

Cologne have also been ordered to introduce a raft of new safety measures, including halving their allocation for their next trip to Monchengladbach, issuing personalised tickets, and banning large banners from away matches

Cole fined £20k over Twitter comments

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been fined £20,000 by the Football Association (FA) for an inappropriate comment made on social media.

The charge is thought to relate to a response from Cole to a tweet he received in the aftermath of West Ham's 2-2 draw against Tottenham last month, in which Sam Allardyce's side surrendered a two-goal lead.

The Twitter post, which was later deleted, was deemed to have fallen foul of FA rules and the governing body has subsequently decided to act on the matter.

An FA statement released on Thursday read: "The West Ham United player, who was also severely warned as to his future conduct, admitted posting a comment on his Twitter account which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, in breach of FA Rule E3."

It is not the first time that Cole has been punished for a comment made on social media.

The forward was fined the same amount in May 2011 after a tweet sent during an England friendly against Ghana.

Inter still European giants - Hecking

Dieter Hecking believes Wolfsburg will be taking on one of the best teams in Europe when they face Inter in the UEFA Europa League.

The two sides meet on Thursday in the first leg of their last-16 tie, with Wolfsburg fancied to progress as they sit second in the Bundesliga.

But, despite Inter struggling in ninth in Serie A, Hecking will not be taking them lightly.

"I think that Internazionale is still one of the best teams in European soccer," the Wolfsburg coach said. "And the person who makes the mistake of underestimating them has already lost. This has to be clear.

"They haven't lost any game until now in the Europa League. I think this emphasises their quality enough.

"The bad performance in the Serie A right now makes it even more difficult for us because this is their last chance of the season to get some positive attention in general.

"For that reason I expect two very tough games for us and I don't really judge them by what some journalists publish about them. They are still a really good team."

Inter reached this stage by overcoming Celtic 4-3 on aggregate, while Hecking's men knocked out Sporting Lisbon 2-0.

Schalke sign Nastasic

Schalke have completed the signing of Matija Nastasic, after activating the Manchester City loanee's transfer clause.

A tweet from the Bundesliga club read: "Schalke have activated the transfer clause with Nastasic and he will remain at S04."

Nastasic joined the club on loan from City in January, and general manager Horst Heldt confirmed earlier this month that Schalke were looking to make the deal permanent.

The Serbia international has made nine appearances across all competitions since moving to Schalke, and featured in both legs of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid.

Nastasic is in line to make his first appearance as a full-time Schalke player against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

"I am proud and happy that I remain at Schalke," Nastasic told the club's official website.

"The team did very well and took to me from day one, I was immediately part of the team.

"In the future I would like to help us achieve our goals as a team."

Blanc backs Ibrahimovic to play crucial role in Chelsea tie

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc is adamant that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not wilt in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Chelsea.

The Sweden international has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in world football.

However, question marks have arisen at times over Ibrahimovic's impact in key matches, with critics pointing to a poor goalscoring record in the Champions League knockout stages.

But Blanc believes that the former Barcelona forward, who played under the stewardship of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter, has the ability to score in any situation and stated he will be vital at Stamford Bridge as PSG look to progress to the last eight with the tie at 1-1.

"In terms of Ibrahimovic and his influence in knockout matches, regardless of who plays centre-back for Chelsea whether it's Gary Cahill or Kurt Zouma they will not envy facing him," Blanc said.

"The good news for PSG is that Zlatan will play. He loves the big occasion, he can score at any time, in any venue. He'll be important for us."

PSG arguably edged the first leg at the Parc des Princes, with Chelsea thankful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for making a number of crucial saves.

"He [Courtois] was very good in the first leg," Blanc added. "If I'm honest I say I hope he plays well [on Wednesday] because we will have created chances.

"But I want him to play less well. The goalkeeper is why they [Chelsea] go into the game as slight favourites.

"If he plays well again PSG will have proved they played better than Chelsea."

Sitting back can be dangerous, Luiz warns Mourinho

David Luiz has warned former manager Jose Mourinho not to set his Chelsea side up with a defensive approach when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Chelsea host PSG in the last-16 second-leg clash with a slight advantage on away goals following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.

Luiz joined PSG from Chelsea in a £50million move in June last year, vacating the Chelsea backline to join Brazilian compatriot Thiago Silva at the heart of Laurent Blanc's defence.

Mourinho's men boast the second best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded just 22 league goals, and have let in just four in the Champions League.

But Luiz - who recently claimed Mourinho is "not special" - told The Daily Mirror: "I know how Jose will prepare for this, he will be telling the boys to be patient and hit us on the counter-attack.

"He knows that we need to score and that they don't, I know that is his way. We must be careful because I know that Chelsea have the ability to hurt on the counter attack, but they must be careful as well.

"To sit back and just defend against Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], [Edinson] Cavani and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi can also be very dangerous, so it is not just us who have to be careful.

"It is important we believe we can win, and the team think we can. I thought we were the better team in Paris.

"If Chelsea did not have [Thibaut] Courtois in goal we would have won the game. He was unbelievable, it is clear that Chelsea have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Stamford Bridge is a big weapon for Chelsea, they are very strong there.

"It is not often they lose there, but this is a special Champions League night and we must believe we can go and get a positive result.

"We have players that are used to big occasions, and playing in big stadiums, we know we can do this."

Mourinho takes swipe at ´aggressive´ PSG

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at Paris Saint-Germain by claiming the French champions are the "most aggressive" team Chelsea have faced this season.

Chelsea welcome PSG to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, with the fixture finely poised after a 1-1 draw in Paris in mid-February.

Mourinho was unhappy with the treatment dished out to Eden Hazard at the Parc des Princes, with just two PSG players being cautioned despite the Belgium star being fouled a record nine times throughout the game.

"The most agressive team we've played this season is Paris Saint-Germain," the Chelsea boss said.

"I have to be fair, I thought an English team would never be surprised by aggressive play because we have it in our country.

"We've played against sides from the Championship in the Cup, against teams from League One and Shrewsbury [Town] from League Two, but the most aggressive team was PSG.

"For me, that was a real surprise. With players of such quality, I was expecting more football and less aggression."

WDDW

20:45

PSG

WWDWD

Competition

UEFA Champions League

Date

11 March 2015

Kick-off

20:45

On aggregate

1 - 1

Venue

Stamford Bridge (London)

TUESDAY 10 MARCH

Inter must be more cynical - Mancini

Roberto Mancini wants his Inter side to be more "cynical" despite seeing them fight back to draw 2-2 at Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.

Mauro Icardi's late penalty earned Inter a point as Rafael Benitez's men missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Roma, who drew with Chievo earlier in the day.

Marek Hamsik's 51st-minute header and a superb long-range strike from Gonzalo Higuain put Napoli in control.

However, Rodrigo Palacio pulled a goal back with 18 minutes remaining and the turnaround was completed in the 87th minute courtesy of Icardi's chipped penalty after Henrique received his second yellow card for a tug on Fredy Guarin.

Inter coach Mancini has urged his players to be more streetwise and was left to reflect on what might have. 

He said: "Although we were playing at Napoli against a great side, the disappointing thing is losing 2-0 when you shouldn't be in that situation.

"We might have to improve in terms of experience and become a bit more cynical. That said, Napoli have a lot of quality up top and can cause you problems at any moment.

He added: "I'm not happy because towards the end we should have tried to win the game. We should have pressed for a third goal."

Toure wants to join me at Inter, says Mancini

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed that midfielder Yaya Toure wants to join him at Serie A side Inter.

Toure was signed by Mancini during the Italian's stint at the Etihad Stadium from 2009 to 2013.

The Ivory Coast international is under contract until 2017, but there has been speculation over a potential move to pastures new, with Inter and Paris Saint-Germain mooted as possible destinations.

"Yaya's played in all the top leagues apart from Germany and Italy and if he, as it seems, would like to come to Italy, then there is this possibility," Mancini told GazzettaTV.

"It's not going to be easy. He's a player with personality and incredible technical quality, but if he were to come to Italy, then Inter would certainly be his first choice.

"Let's first just see what happens with Financial Fair Play. I'm convinced that we'll sign some good players who will boost the quality of the side. Yes, [I've been given carte blanche to spend], but they forgot to give me the pen."

Speaking about the chances of Inter - who sit ninth in Serie A - winning the league next season, Mancini added: "Of course we can.

"I'm so confident because of what we are doing. The foundations are solid. I can see the lads improving all the time; everybody's getting better.

"Next season, we are aiming to fight it out with Juve, Napoli and Roma."

Barcelona 6 Rayo Vallecano 1: Messi hat-trick sends Luis Enrique´s men top

Lionel Messi scored a record 24th La Liga hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to move top of La Liga.

Luis Suarez's fifth-minute opener was all Luis Enrique's men had to show for a dominant first-half display, during which the striker and Pedro both should have punished Rayo's high defensive line.

However, Barca found goals much easier to come by in the second half as they capitalised on Real Madrid's defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Gerard Pique doubled the hosts' lead in the 49th minute, before Tito was sent off for a foul on Suarez in the penalty area.

Messi's re-taken spot-kick put the result beyond doubt and he added two more goals to move past 40 for the sixth successive season and complete his 32nd treble for Barcelona.

Alberto Bueno converted a penalty for Rayo following the dismissal of Dani Alves, but Suarez rounded off the scoring late on with his 13th of the season.

A remarkable 15th win from 16 matches in all competitions puts Barca a point clear of Real at the Liga summit with El Clasico two weeks away.

Luis Enrique was without Sergio Busquets and Neymar through injury and suspension, so Xavi and Pedro started among five changes from Wednesday's Copa del Rey triumph at Villarreal, while Rayo boss Paco Jemez made four alterations to his line-up.

The Catalans, buoyed by Real defeat at San Mames, were quickly into their stride as Xavi's wonderful ball on the half-volley released Suarez, who confidently stroked home with the outside of his right foot.

Pedro spurned a chance to make it 2-0 following another fine pass from Xavi and, after Roberto Trashorras curled a free-kick just wide for Rayo, Barca went close again when Suarez's chipped pass found Lionel Messi, whose first-time lob drifted just wide.

Barca's dominance was made to count four minutes after the restart. Jordi Alba's free header hit the post and Pique was on hand to tap home the rebound.

Tito then hauled down Suarez in the box after 54 minutes and received a second yellow card as a result.

Messi's penalty was saved but a retake was ordered because of encroachment and he made no mistake at the second attempt, hammering a low shot into the bottom-right corner.

Barcelona pulled further clear in the 62nd minute when Suarez's smart turn and shot forced a save from Cristian Alvarez but Messi tapped in the rebound.

Alvarez produced a superb low save from a Messi free-kick two minutes later but the Argentina forward was not to be denied and completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute by latching onto a cross and showing great composure to dummy the goalkeeper before slotting in his 30th league goal of the campaign.

Barca's victory was soured somewhat when Alves was given a straight red after Leo Baptistao went down under his challenge and Bueno - the scorer of four goals in 15 minutes last weekend - dispatched the penalty for his 13th of the season.

Yet Suarez topped off a wonderful afternoon for the new league leaders by collecting Messi's pass before rounding Alvarez and slotting home in injury time.

Kane makes England vow after QPR double

Tottenham striker Harry Kane has vowed to do all he can for his club to make sure he is in Roy Hodgson's England squad at the end of the month.

Kane was on scored twice for Tottenham in their 2-1 Premier League win at QPR on Saturday, taking his tally to 26 for the season with Hodgson in attendance at Loftus Road.

England resume their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Lithuania in under three weeks' time before facing Italy in a friendly.

"I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing," Kane said.

"There are still a few games before the international break and I want to do the best I can for Tottenham. 

"That's what I'm looking to do. Get some more wins between now and then and we'll see what happens.

"Any English player would love to play for England – it would be a dream – but there are a lot of great players in England. 

"I just have to keep concentrating and do the best I can for Spurs."

Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 0: Leaders lose to leave door open for Barca

Real Madrid left the door open for Barcelona to go top of La Liga as Athletic Bilbao capped a superb week with a surprise 1-0 victory over the capital club.

Ernesto Valverde's men picked up an unexpected three points in Saturday's clash at San Mames thanks to Aritz Aduriz's first-half header.

For Real, who thumped Bilbao 5-0 in October's reverse fixture, it marks another disappointing showing after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal last weekend.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti demanded a response to that performance in his pre-match news conference, but Real failed to heed his call and a lacklustre first-half display saw them go in behind.

The European champions improved after the interval and only some excellent Bilbao defending prevented Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring simple tap-ins, while Gareth Bale nearly grabbed a fortuitous leveller late on.

Ultimately, though, Real failed to find an equalising goal and they will slip to second if Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Bilbao's first win over Real since January 2010 means they move up to eighth.

Aduriz flashed a shot wide of the left-hand post in just the second minute, but Bilbao found themselves chasing the ball for much of the opening quarter.

Real's failure to break down Bilbao's stubborn defence was punished in the 26th minute.

Mikel Rico hung up an excellent cross between the Real centre-backs and Aduriz timed his run perfectly to meet the delivery with a thumping header that nestled in the right-hand corner.

Real had failed to register a shot on target by half-time, but the break seemed to do Ancelotti's men good.

Only an excellent interception from Mikel Balenziaga prevented Benzema from tapping in Ronaldo's cross, while the Portuguese seemed set to add the finishing touch to a Bale ball across the six-yard box before goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz palmed away from danger.

Iraizoz was called into action again in the 74th minute, racing off his line to prevent Ronaldo from sliding home.

At the other end Bilbao almost stole a second when Dani Carvajal's attempted defensive header set up Aduriz, whose header hit the outside of the left-hand post.

As the clock wound down Real came desperately close to making it 1-1 when an apparent cross from Bale, delivered from just in front of the halfway line, sailed over Iraizoz and rebounded off the right-hand post.

The equaliser proved elusive, however, as Real slipped to a fifth Liga defeat of the season.

LA LIGA STANDING

#	Team	MP	D	P
1	Real Madrid	26	+51	61
2	Barcelona	25	+55	59
3	Atlético Madrid	25	+28	54
4	Valencia	25	+24	53
5	Sevilla	26	+13	49
6	Villarreal	25	+16	45
7	Málaga	25	+0	41
8	Athletic Club	26	-8	33
9	Celta de Vigo	25	+1	32
10	Espanyol	25	-4	32
11	Rayo Vallecano	25	-15	29
12	Real Sociedad	25	-8	27
13	Eibar	26	-10	27
14	Elche	26	-22	27
15	Getafe	25	-13	26
16	Deportivo La C…	26	-19	25
17	Levante	26	-26	25
18	Almería	26	-18	24
19	Granada	25	-24	19
20	Córdoba	25	-21	18