Africans In Spain: Uche Nets Consolation As Almeria Fall To Athletic Bilbao

Nigerian striker Kalu Uche was the only African player to get on the score sheet this weekend in the Primera Liga. The 27-year-old striker's late effort for Almeria was a mere consolation goal, however, as they suffered a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Athletic Bilbao at the Juegos del Mediterraneo. Almeria have now lost six of their last seven games and appear to be feeling the impact of a lack of goals after the departure of Alvaro Negredo after two seasons on loan. Uche has managed four goals so far this season but as a team they are averaging less than a goal a game so far this season.

In El Clasico at Camp Nou, Mali international midfielder Seydou Keita had to make way for Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure as Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola looked to protect his defence in the final 20 minutes of their game against Real Madrid after the dismissal of Sergi Busquets for two bookable offences. Barca won 1-0 thanks to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal ten minutes before Busquets' sending off to put the Blaugrana back on top of the Primera Liga table.

Sevilla missed their chance to go second in the table on Saturday after a 2-2 draw with Andalusian neighbours Malaga at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Didier Zokora of the Ivory Coast had another fine display in midfield while Mali striker Frederic Kanoute was introduced as a substitute for Alvaro Negredo midway through the second half but could not help Los Nervionenses to the win which would have seen them go above Madrid into second place. Nigerian international Victor Obinna produced another hard working performance up front for the visitors but lacked the necessary end product to score the crucial winning goal.

Derek Boateng was an influential midfield presence as Getafe secured a comprehensive 5-1 win over promoted side Xerez at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum in Madrid. The Ghanaian was substituted with 25 minutes remaining with the final score already settled as Geta came from a goal behind to bag all three points. Mali forward Sidi Keita was replaced shortly after the interval for the hapless visitors.

Niououi Lassad of Morocco was substituted towards the end of the first half as Deportivo La Coruna secured a win away to Racing Santander to maintain the pressure on Valencia in fourth place. Depor trail Los Che on goal difference while Racing, who had South African Nasief Morris and Mohammed Tchite in their starting lineup, are now second from bottom.

Pierre Webo made a late substitutes appearance for Mallorca, who drew 1-1 with Valencia at the Mestalla. The Balearic Islanders are still without an away win this season, although their perfect home record means they remain in sixth.

Carlos Kameni proved a busy man at the Vicente Calderon as his Espanyol side succumbed to a resurgent Atletico Madrid outfit. Los Colchoneros won 4-0 with the Cameroonian goalkeeper under pressure from start to finish as the Blanc I Blau produced their worst performance of the season.