csconstantine.com

Jornada 24 in the Primera Division was a weekend that witnessed defences come out on top, with just seventeen goals netted in the ten league fixtures.

There simply had to be a place in our La Liga Team of the Week, however, for a goalkeeper who opted to show the shot-shy strikers how it's done. Daniel Aranzubia's 94th minute leveller for his team was a finish worthy of any forward, and represented one of the most novel moments of the round.

Barcelona, driven by maestro Xavi, eventually edged past a stubborn Athletic Bilbao side who had threatened to cause an upset, and ensured their five-point advantage at the top of the table following Real Madrid's straightforward 2-0 win over Levante.

Goal.com has selected the best eleven of the week below in a 4-4-2 formation. Disagree? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper - Daniel Aranzubia (Deportivo)

TOTW Apps: 2

It is always worth celebrating when a 'keeper gets his name on the scoresheet, and the Galician shot-stopper produced an incredible end to the match against Almeria, leaping highest to head home a 94th minute equaliser.

Right-back - Pablo Pinillos (Racing)

TOTW Apps: 2

The veteran full-back was part of the staunch Verdiblancos back line that managed to keep Getafe at bay, but also kept his nerve in the dying moments to slot home the winning goal from the penalty spot, and ensure that coach Marcelino could enjoy two wins from two upon his return to Cantabria.

Centre-back - Ricardo Carvalho (Real Madrid)

Player Rating: 7.5 (vs Levante)
TOTW Apps: 3

The Portuguese prefers the company of Pepe alongside him in the centre of the Blancos back line, but he strolled through the ninety minutes against the Granotes in his absence. He also chipped in with a goal on the stroke of half-time that clinched the three points, and put pressure on leaders Barcelona.

Centre-back - Alberto Botia (Sporting)

TOTW Apps: 2

It's been quite a week for the former Barcelona defender; he turned in a superb performance to snatch a point from his former club last weekend, and against Valencia on Saturday he comfortably dealt with everything the home side could throw at him, on the way to a composed clean sheet.

Left-back - Luis Perea (Atletico Madrid)

TOTW Apps: 1

The Colombian can be guilty of inconsistent form and a lack of concentration at times, but he proved to be a steady influence as Atleti held out for a valuable three points. He was a towering figure in the centre of the back four, and to squeeze him into our team, we find a spot for him at left-back.

Right-midfield - Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)

Player Rating: 8 (vs Levante)
TOTW Apps: 4

The Santiago Bernabeu faithful has taken to the tricky Argentine in his debut season in Spain, and the mazy run that helped put the ball on a plate for Karim Benzema typified the skill and technique that has made the 23-year-old one of Los Blancos' players of the season.

Centre-midfield - Xavi (Barcelona)

Player Rating: 8.5 (vs Athletic Bilbao)
TOTW Apps: 5

The Blaugrana suffered from a tumultuous week, and despite the resilience shown by Athletic Bilbao, Xavi ensured that a five-point gap was maintained at the top of the table. His two glorious passes in the build-up to each goal helped unlock a disciplined Leones defence.

Centre-midfield - Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)

TOTW Apps: 1

The former Schalke midfielder has wasted no time in settling into his new role with Los Nervionenses, and won the match with a neat finish against Hercules at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. His runs from deep are providing coach Gregorio Manzano a new dimension, and he typified his impact by combining with Luis Fabiano to good effect.

Left-Midfield - Javad Nekounam (Osasuna)

TOTW Apps: 1

The Iranian was missed by Los Rojillos during his recent spell at the Asian Cup, and he showcased his importance to the team in yesterday's thumping defeat of Espanyol. The 30-year-old scored two first half goals, handing coach Jose Luis Mendilibar a perfect start to his reign in Pamplona.

Centre-forward - Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

TOTW Apps: 4

These days, it seems that whenever the diminutive Argentine performs, he manages to drag Atleti from mediocrity, and he netted his first goal in two months to see off the challenge of Zaragoza, as well as providing an inspirational all-round display that offered respite to coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

Centre-forward - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Player Rating: 7.5 (vs Athletic Bilbao)
TOTW Apps: 13

Most definitely a game of two halves for the Argentine, who seemed unable to control the ball in the first, but was mesmerising in the second as he caused the Basque side no end of problems, before netting what could prove to be a vital winning goal.

Did what so few defenders have managed to this season and dealt with Nani's two pronged approach of cutting inside or taking the ball down the channel with relative ease. The Cameroonian never really looked threatened at White Hart Lane, delivering a fine performance. Follow Goal.com on to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's

Agences de presses

Labels: Athletic, Barcelona, Bilbao, Goalcom, Lionel, Messi, Overcome, Round