Real Madrid beat Racing Santander 3-1, Barcelona held to draw

Real Madird skipper Raul has helped his side extend their perfect home record this season by thrashing Racing Santander 3-1. Meanwhile, Barcelona have been held to a 1-all draw by Espanyol.

Raul put Real ahead when he steered in after a slick counter-attack. The home side found themselves 2-0 up five minutes later when Racing defender Sergio Sanchez turned the ball into his own net. Raul then finished with a classy double from a free kick. Three minutes later Racing did pull one back. But the 3-1 victory put Real at top of standings on 32 points, four clear of Barcelona and Villareal.

In another match, Barca made an impressive start, putting the visitors in front in the sixth minute through Lionel Messi. But Espanyol substitute Ferran Corominas equalized 22 minutes from time to deny Barcelona their second away win of the season.