Real Madrid take back top spot in Spain

Real Madrid came from a goal down to beat Valladolid 3-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday and take back provisional top spot in the Spanish first division.

Real, trailing Real Sociedad by two points at the start of play, fell behind to a Fernando Sales header on 10 minutes but trademark goals from Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo and a late strike from Javier Portillo earned them the points.

Roberto Carlos brought his side back level with a fiercely struck free kick on 19 minutes and two minutes later his Brazilian team mate Ronaldo collected a through ball and hammered it into the top left-hand corner.

With Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane both missing, Real were a long way from their best and Valladolid dominated the second half.

The visitors created few clear-cut chances, though, and Real clinched victory in the final minute of injury-time as Portillo converted a Roberto Carlos cross from the left.

Victory gave Real 45 points from 23 games and took them one point clear of Real Sociedad, who can reclaim the league leadership if they win at home to Osasuna on Sunday.

Valencia, away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, are third on 42 points, while Deportivo, fourth on 39, were at home to Alaves in a game.