Sevilla took over first place from Barcelona in Spain’s La Liga, coming from behind to beat Barca, 2-1, in a wild match on Saturday.
Barcelona was cruising in the first half thanks to Ronaldinho‘s goal in the 13th minute and looked to add a second when Sevilla defender Aitor Ocio was sent off for bringing down the Brazilian star for a penalty. But Sevilla goalie Palop saved Ronaldinho’s penalty kick to turn the tide.
Sevilla’s Russian star, Alexander Kerzhakov, tied the score shortly before the break, and Daniel Alves put Sevilla ahead with a free kick in the 61st minute. Barca later had Frenchman Ludovic Giuly and Italian Gianluca Zambrotta sent off, and it finished with nine players. Sevilla is first with 50 points, one ahead of Barcelona, which dropped to second but has a game in hand.
“We can’t cry over one defeat,” said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard. “It was an important game, and we let slip a great opportunity, but one match does not decide the league.”
Fernando Morientes‘ goal gave third-place Valencia a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo and moved it into third place, four points behind Sevilla. Real Madrid is in fourth, six points behind Sevilla, after its 1-1 tie with Getafe at home.