Barca suffer first defeat

Forlan puts Barca behind for the first time in the league [AFP]

Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season as they lost 2-1 at Atletico Madrid.

The Catalans went behind for the first time this term through an early Diego Forlan strike before Simao Sabrosa made it two with a free kick.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled a goal back for Barca late in the first half but the second half was scoreless as the champions failed to increase their two-point lead over chasing Real Madrid.

Deportivo Coruna lost 2-0 at Espanyol on Sunday and missed another opportunity to break into the Spanish Primera Division top four.

The Galicians fell behind when Joan Verdu netted at the near post just before the break and their cause was further hindered when midfielder Antonio Tomas was sent off for elbowing just after the restart.

Jose Callejon’s curling effort sealed victory for 11th-placed Espanyol and left Depor occupying sixth spot with 35 points from 22 matches.

He dedicated the goal to Daniel Jarque, his former teammate and captain who died last year after suffering a heart attack.

Malaga beat Racing Santander 3-0 with goals from Weligton, Salvador Caicedo and Victor Obinna.

Santander’s Mohamed Tchite was sent off in the 79th minute for dissent.

Luis Fabiano scored the winner as Sevilla beat Osasuna 1-0.

In the 35th minute Diego Capel raced down the left wing, cut inside and crossed for the Brazil striker to score with a powerful low header.

Sevilla have 39 points to replace Mallorca in fourth position.

Almeria’s Fernando Soriano scored an injury-time goal to draw 2-2 with Getafe and Valladolid drew 1-1 with Zaragoza.

Sporting Gijon and Valencia drew 1-1 and Villarreal beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1.