Aimar steers Valencia to top of table

Valencia midfielder Pablo Aimar orchestrated a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid that sent his side top of the first division on Saturday, while ...

Valencia midfielder Pablo Aimar orchestrated a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid that sent his side top of the first division on Saturday, while a strike from Ronaldinho allowed Barcelona to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Osasuna.

Argentine international Aimar turned in a masterful performance as he set up all three Valencia goals, two of which were scored by substitute striker Mista.

Ronaldinho saved Barcelona’s blushes with a deflected shot that stopped his side from slumping to their first defeat of the season.

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Visitors Osasuna had taken a thoroughly deserved lead when skipper Cesar Cruchaga nodded in from a corner early in the second half but Ronaldinho popped up to equalise 16 minutes later when his low shot spun off defender Jose Izquierdo and into the net.

Saturday’s results left Valencia top of the table on 10 points, one point ahead of Deportivo Coruna who play bottom club Albacete on Sunday.

Barcelona are in third spot on eight points, one ahead of Real Madrid who make the trip to play goal-shy Malaga on Sunday.

Osasuna, who have made a confident start to the season, move up to fifth, level on points with Real.

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Just as Atletico looked to be getting on top at the Calderon, Valencia midfielder Aimar burst into action.

He exchanged a neat one-two with Mista before cutting back a pass to the advancing Vicente who cracked home high into the net on 68 minutes.

Less than 10 minutes later he provided the scoring pass for Mista to rifle home his side’s second and he capped a magnificent performance with a perfect through-ball to set the striker up for another well taken goal deep into extra time.

Osasuna eclipsed Barcelona in the opening exchanges at the Nou Camp as they put together slick passing moves and rapid counter-attacks.

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The Catalans struggled to find their rhythm and did not mount a serious attack until the 23rd minute when midfielder Luis Enrique sent a miscued shot over the bar after Patrick Kluivert and Javier Saviola had combined well to prise open the Osasuna defence.

Despite the presence of Ronaldinho, who joined the club for Euros 30 million ($33.89 million) from Paris St Germain in the close season, Barca looked surprisingly short of ideas in attack.

The Brazilian was rarely able to wriggle free from the attentions of Uruguayan midfielder Pablo Garcia and without any recognised wingers on the pitch Barca were unable to get behind the Osasuna defence. (Reuters)