Football Boots - European Round Up - 27/04/10
Every week the SoccerBible rounds-up the best European domestic action, football boots on show and the star performers.
In the Primera Division both Barcelona and Real Madrid were victorious to maintain their close battle, whilst Roma were defeated to allow Inter Milan to regain first spot. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich stuttered in Germany, and Marseille closed in on the Ligue 1 title.
Still just one point separates Barcelona and Real Madrid, who lead the third-placed team by a staggering 24 points! Barcelona defeated Xerex 3-1 at Camp Nou to maintain their lead, whilst it was a dream return from injury for Kaka, who scored a late winner for a 2-1 Real Madrid win at Real Zaragoza.
Valencia look to be securing third spot in La Liga after David Villa's penalty beat Deportivo. But Sevilla were unable to take advantage of a Real Mallorca draw in the race for fourth place, losing 4-3 to Getafe in a thrilling game.
Kaka - adidas adiPure III
After constant pressure Schalke have finally pulled level with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, who dropped points following a 1-1 draw at Borussia Monchengladbach. Schalke left it late to defeat Hertha Berlin, who suffered relegation as a consequence, with an 87th minute winner from Heiko Westermann.
Hoffenheim recorded the most emphatic victory of the weekend, beating Fulham's Europa League opponents Hamburg 5-1, who are now without a manager. Whilst, a hat-trick from Lucas Barrios saw off Nurnberg and gives Borussia Dortmund a chance of finishing third, along with Bayer Leverkusen who overcame Hannover 3-0.
Heiko Westermann - adidas Predator X
Inter Milan regained top spot in Serie A courtesy of a 3-1 triumph over Atalanta, which included Mariga and Chivu netting their first goals for the club. Inter took full advantage of Roma's late loss to Sampdoria - the club's first defeat since October coming from a Pazzini goal five minutes from time.
AC Milan's slump continued as they were beaten for the seventh time this campaign, with Palermo securing an impressive 3-1 win. While at the other end of the table, Livorno were relegated despite a victory over Catania.
McDonald Mariga - adidas Predator PS
Marseille's seventh victory in succession moves them within touching distance of their first title since 1993. l'OM held off St Etienne 1-0 after scoring the only goal of the game in the 6th minute. Auxerre trail the leaders by five points with four games left after they comfortably beat Toulouse 3-0.
The battle for third place in Ligue 1 is hotting up, with Lille currently leading the way after leaving it late to beat Le Mans, Montpellier playing out a goalless draw at AS Nancy and Lyon had the weekend off ahead of their Champions League tie.
Mathieu Valbuena - Nike Superfly II
