Gonzalo Higuaín celebrates after Arbeloa's goal vs. Atlético Madrid (AP)

Things remain the same in La Liga as Real Madrid answered Barcelona by winning the capital derby 3-2 against Atlético Madrid. After falling behind in the first half courtesy of a goal by José Antonio Reyes, Los Merengues settled down and were able to answer back with goals by Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, and Gonzalo Higuaín.

The Argentine international scored the eventual game-winner after Tiago made a terrible blunder and the bounce fell in front of the Madrid forward and slotted it past David De Gea. Forlán's penalty kick made it 3-2 but that would be as close as Los Colchoneros would get and their winless streak against their city rivals would reach 11 years; 20 years since they last beat Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Barcelona in the meantime won in Mallorca as they beat the islanders 1-0. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero offensively as he pounced on a rebound from Dudu Aouate to score the only goal of the match.

Zaragoza scored the biggest upset of the week trouncing third-place Valencia at La Rosaleda 3-0. Carlos Diogo scored the first goal of the match hitting a scorcher from outside the box beating César Sánchez. Javier Arizmendi and Jiri Jarosik would round out the scoring for Los Maños.

Zaragoza would also get some help as Valladolid lost to an inspired cellar-dweller Xerez and Tenerife snuck out a point from Málaga.

Meanwhile, in some Monday Night Fútbol action, Athletic came out of San Mamés with a big win against Racing Santander in the most exciting match of the round. Fernando Llorente earned a brace and increase his season tally to 12. Racing would fight back but it would not be enough as the Basques now find themselves just two points from a spot in the Champions League and will have to look for more points at the Nou Camp against historic rivals Barcelona.

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