LFP
Barca lose a thriller
Sergio Aguero's late goal helped Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat Barcelona 4-3 on Sunday and blow the Spanish title race wide open.
Barcelona, who led 2-0 and 3-2, have now failed to win in four matches and have seen their lead over Real Madrid cut from 12 points, just three weeks ago, to four.
Thierry Henry put Barcelona ahead with a fine strike from 25 yards which flew into the top corner after 18 minutes before Lionel Messi, on the half-hour mark, produced a trademark dribble before finishing in style.
Diego Forlan brought Atletico back into the match with a spectacular 30-yard drive before Aguero got the first of his brace after 56 minutes.
Barcelona, who were stunned by struggling Espanyol last weekend, re-established their lead when Eidur Gudjohnsen unselfishly played in Henry for his second from close range in the 73rd minute.
But Atletico were not finished and Forlan again scored, this time from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, before Aguero struck in the 89th minute to win the match.
Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola insisted the defeat will not affect his team's title push.
"We lost a game which was up and down, very exciting and I have to give credit to Atletico but we will now continue as before," he said.
"We have had a big advantage in the lead and they (Real Madrid) have cut it back by eight points in three weeks but we will continue forward."
Meanwhile, the pressure is growing on Valencia coach Unai Emery as his side followed their mid-week UEFA Cup elimination with a 2-1 home defeat by Valladolid.
After a bright start to the season, Valencia have tumbled to sixth in the table and have now gone more than a month without a win.
It took just six minutes for Valladolid to go ahead with Jonathan Sesma heading home but then chances came and went for both sides before Raul Albiol scored an own goal to double the lead.
Valencia continued to create openings but missing David Villa through suspension they lacked a finishing touch.
They did eventually manage to find the back of the net through Carlos Marchena after 73 minutes but it was only to be a consolation.
Malaga's hopes of European qualification suffered a setback when they were beaten 2-0 at home by mid-table Recreativo Huelva.
Deportivo La Coruna are just below seventh-placed Malaga on goal difference after they beat bottom side Numancia with a Juan Rodriguez strike mid-way through the second half.
Mallorca continued their fight against relegation by beating Sporting Gijon to secure their third successive win with a freekick from Juan Arango to giving the visitors the win.
A Walter Pandiani goal in first-half injury time rescued a point for Osasuna who drew 1-1 with Racing Santander but they are still encamped in the bottom three.
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