Sport

Brief taste of top spot for Real

Real Madrid strolled to a 4-1 victory over struggling Real Sociedad yesterday to briefly lead the Spanish first division before…

Mon Oct 30 2000 - 00:00

Real Madrid strolled to a 4-1 victory over struggling Real Sociedad yesterday to briefly lead the Spanish first division before Valencia's 2-1 win over Osasuna.

First-half goals from Guti and Fernando Hierro, a superb strike by Luis Figo and a fourth by Savio sealed a comfortable first away win for Real Madrid.

Later Valencia struggled to a barely deserved victory over a highly motivated Osasuna side to move two points clear at the top. Osasuna went ahead through Jose Manuel Mateo after six minutes but Valencia clawed their way back with an own goal from Cesar Cruchaga and a late strike by Norway's John Carew.

Real's first away win of the season left them second on goal difference from Alaves and Deportivo Coruna. Alaves ended Rayo Vallecano's unbeaten run with a 1-0 win courtesy of first-half goal by Javi Moreno.

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With Barcelona stumbling to a 2-0 defeat at Real Mallorca on Saturday, the Catalan side dropped to seventh place behind Rayo Vallecano who are on the same points but have a better goal difference.

Celta Vigo climbed into fifth place after their first win in three games - 2-1 over Real Valladolid.

Real Sociedad, with new coach Periko Alonso making his debut on the bench, began in enthusiastic fashion, pushing forward in midfield. But the optimism of the home crowd was short-lived when Guti claimed his fifth league goal after 13 minutes. Fernando Hierro converted a spot kick to make it 2-0 in the 42nd minute and a minute into the second half Figo added a third.

Savio completed a miserable day for Alberto when his 62nd minute shot found its way through the goalkeeper's legs.

Paris Saint Germain were beaten 2-1 by Bordeaux to lose their unbeaten home French League record this season but managed to remain top of the table.

Philippe Bergeroo's men had this sudden setback just five days after their rousing 7-2 European Champions League home win over Norwegian club Rosenborg.

Lilles were in second spot following their 1-0 victory at home to Toulouse thanks to a Laurent Peyrelade goal in the 84th minute.

In other games, Bastia drew 0-0 with St Etienne, Sedan beat Nantes 2-0, Metz beat Lens 2-1, Guingamp had an awayday 2-1 victory at Rennes and Lyon drew 2-2 with Auxerre.