La Liga Team of the Week
Goalkeeper: Caludio Bravo (Real Sociedad) Bravo was unbeatable under the bars as he turned in a fantastic performance to deny Villarreal several times to ensure that Sociedad’s unbeaten run continues in the La Liga to three games even with a player sent off.
Right Back: Dani Alves (Barcelona) Was brilliant at full back for Barcelona against Real Madrid especially in attack. The Brazilian had a brilliant game against bitter rivals Real Madrid as he shut out the threats on his flank and bombed down the right flank on several occasions to aid in attack.
Central Defender: Carles Puyol The Barcelona captain rolled back the years as he turned in a vintage display against Real to keep Barca in the reckoning. Had it not been for his pressure at the back, Real could have easily won this Classico.
Central Defender: Nano (Levante) Nano managed his back four with aplomb all night before chipping in with the winner against Sevilla. The result puts Levante in a fantastic position in the League tables as the fairy tale time continues for them.
Left Back: Eric Abidal (Barcelona) Although he could not match Angel di Maria for pace on the right flank, he made it up with his wonderful positioning sense to reinstall the faith that he is still one of the best left backs in European and World football.
Defensive midfield: Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid) One of the few players in the Real Madrid lineup who had a terrific game against Barcelona. Full of energy in the center of the park, Diarra ran and ran. He made some crunching challenges and kept things simple with the ball at his feet. Had to be taken off though after being cautioned in favor of Khedira.
Central Midfield: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) Made his presence felt in the park as things got going at the Bernabeu. Was a force to reckon with as he showed his skills on the ball and made some fantastic runs. Iniesta would have had a goal to his name had it not been for the brilliance of Iker Casillas.
Central Midfield: Nacho Novo (Sporting Gijon) Scored a wonderful brace in Gijon’s 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. Scored his first goal nine minutes before the break while sealing the win for Gijon later on in the match.
Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) The Barcelona wizard did not manage to get on the score sheet thanks to a couple of brilliant saves from Casillas, but he did enough on the right flank to cause plenty of problems for Real Madrid all night. It was his through ball that Sanchez converted to level the scores after Real led on 23 seconds.
Left Wing: Ruben Castro (Betis) Scored a couple of goals in injury time to give Betis a shocking 2-1 win over Valencia. A brilliant performance from the Betis striker once again.
Striker: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) Was brilliant for Real Madrid in the classic although they lost. The Frenchman provided the home team with a great start when he scored with 23 seconds on the clock. Was neat with his interplay all evening and was a sound effort from Benzema, who kept Puyol under pressure throughout the match.