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On Saturday, matches of the 15th round of the Spanish Championship ("La Liga") were played. The goalkeeper of "Athletic Bilbao", Daniel Aranzubia, impressively helped his team to secure a draw in Valencia, while "Villarreal" defeated "Real Sociedad" on the road.
In the match at "La Mestalla" stadium, "Valencia" had the initiative throughout the match, but in the 57th minute, Spain national team player Joseba Etxeberria scored with a header after a pass from Pablo Orbaiz, putting the visitors ahead. However, shortly after, Francisco Tarantino received his second yellow card and the visitors were reduced to ten men. "Valencia" intensified their attacks even more and in the 75th minute, Spain national team player Vicente equalized the score after a pass from Pablo Aimar. Despite having several opportunities to secure the victory, the excellent performance of "Athletic Bilbao" goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia allowed the visitors to maintain the draw.
In the match held in San Sebastian, the players of "Villarreal", who recently secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, got a "cold shower" when in the 5th minute, Turkish player Nihat Kahveci scored after receiving a pass from defender Daniel Cifuentes from about 40 meters. However, the visitors didn't falter and managed to equalize the score in the first half - after a great pass from defender Juan Roman Riquelme, winger Antonio Guayre scored accurately.
The same A. Guayre put the visitors ahead in the second half. After a shot by Diego Forlan, which was saved by "Real Sociedad" goalkeeper Asier Riesgo, the ball fell in front of A. Guayre, who only had to send it into the net. With 17 minutes left until the end of the match, J.R. Riquelme capped off his excellent performance with a goal, allowing "Villarreal" to jump to third place in the league standings.
League Standings
Saturday's Statistics
Valencia 1 - 1
57` [0 - 1] Joseba Etxeberria
75` [1 - 1] Vicente
60` F. Tarantino ("Athletic Bilbao") sent off from the field
San Sebastian 1 - 3
5` [1 - 0] Nihat Kahveci
36` [1 - 1] Antonio Guayre
55` [1 - 2] Antonio Guayre
72` [1 - 3] Juan Roman Riquelme
Top Scorers
1. Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) - 12 goals;
2-3. Ronaldinho (Barcelona) - 9;
2-3. David Villa (Valencia) - 9;
4. Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - 8;
5. Fernando Baiano (Celta Vigo) - 7;
6-8. Nene (Alaves) - 6;
6-8. Diego Tristan (Deportivo Coruna) - 6;
6-8. Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal) - 6.
