Real Madrid and Juventus, who started the weekend on top in Spain and Italy, were deposed from their lofty positions at the weekend.
In Spain, Real drew 1-1 at Osasuna with Valencia going top with a 3-2 win against Real Zaragoza. In Italy, Juventus lost 3-1 to Inter Milan allowing Roma and AC Milan to share the summit.
Deportivo La Coruna could have pushed Valencia aside on Sunday but they blew their big chance with a 1-0 loss at home to Villarreal, Roger Garcia getting the only goal.
Valencia lead with 27 points ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference after the reigning Spanish champions could only draw at Osasuna in a match marred by rough-house treatment handed out to David Beckham.
The England skipper was booed and pelted with fruit and rubbish whenever he ventured near the touchline. However, he had the last laugh when he supplied the sublime pass for Ronaldo to score and equalise Ibrahima Bakayoko’s opener.
Beckham came off four minutes from the end of the match with an ankle injury, which puts his participation in Wednesday’s derby
against Atletico in doubt.
”They played well at the start and the pitch was not the best. I want to be fit to play against Atletico because I am sure it will be a great experience,” said the England star.
In Italy, Roma and AC Milan replaced Juventus at the top after extending their unbeaten records with home victories.
Roma defeated Lecce 3-1 and European champions Milan beat Modena 2-0 at the San Siro.
The two title contenders both have 27 points from 11 matches played, one more than reigning champions Juventus, whose own unbeaten run was ended on Saturday by Inter.
Mancini, John Carew and captain Francesco Totti found the net for Roma and Andrei Shevchenko grabbed a brace for Milan.
Inter bounced back from their 5-1 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Arsenal by defeating Juve 3-1.
Argentine striker Julio Cruz scored twice and speedy Nigerian teenager Obafemi Martins added a third for Inter.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund, knocked out of the Uefa Cup in midweek, suffered another setback with a 2-1 loss to Hansa Rostock.
The 2002 German champions remain in fifth place, 11 points behind leaders Stuttgart, after being undone by a second-half double from Martin Max.
Stuttgart drew 0-0 with VfL Bochum but are still two points ahead of Werder Bremen, who drew 1-1 at Hamburg, and three ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, who drew 2-2 with 1860 Munich.
Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Cologne prompting coach Ottmar Hitzfeld to describe his champions’ performance as disgraceful.
Bayern Munich are now six points adrift in fourth spot.
”It was a disgraceful showing if you consider we have high hopes of winning the championship,” said Hitzfeld.
In France, a last-minute goal from Fabrice Fiorese gave Paris Saint Germain a 1-0 win at bitter rivals Marseille.
PSG now have 27 points, level with third-placed Marseille, who boast a better goal difference.
Monaco are six points clear at the top after a 1-0 win at Nantes and defending champions Lyon are second despite losing 3-1 at Rennes. — Sapa-AFP