Despite all the problems Real Madrid has had, culminating with the David Beckham move, Real finds itself in the thick of the race for the la Liga title.

Fielding a front six that included five first-year players, the Merengues beat Real Zaragoza, 1-0, and moved within two points of leader Sevilla, which lost to struggling Real Mallorca, 2-1, at home. Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the only goal just before the break. New signings Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain both started. Raul was the only remaining Galactico to start against Zaragoza but left the game after 14 minutes and was replaced by Brazilian youngster Robinho.

Real Madrid moved into a tie with Barcelona, two points behind Sevilla. Barca lost to city neighbor Espanyol, 3-1.

ENGLAND. Leader Manchester United maintained its six-point advantage over Chelsea with a comfortable 3-1 victory over struggling Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday. South Korean Park Ji-Sung was at the heart of the action for high-scoring United. He scored the first goal and set up Michael Carrick for his first goal since arriving from Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo added the third goal in the 34th minute when he headed in his 13th goal of the season. United's challengers all won easily. Chelsea beat Wigan, 4-0. Liverpool won, 3-0, at Watford, and resurgent Thierry Henry had a goal and an assist as Arsenal defeated Blackburn, 2-0. Next weekend, United travels to Arsenal, while Chelsea plays Liverpool at Anfield.

FRANCE. Paris St. Germain fired Coach Guy Lacombe on Monday and replaced him with former Lyon and Rangers boss Paul Le Guen, a former PSG star, to save it from relegation. The move came two days after PSG lost at home to lowly Valenciennes, 2-1, to drop to 17th in Ligue 1. Persistent fan trouble has prompted Paris mayor Betrand Delanoe to threaten to cut off support for PSG.

ITALY. Inter Milan set a Serie A record when it beat Torino, 3-1, on Saturday to win its 12th straight game. Adriano (header), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (diagonal volley) and Marco Materazzi (penalty) scored for Inter, which beat Roma's 11-game winning streak accomplished last season. Inter extended its lead over second-place Roma to nine points. Roma was held by Messina to a 1-1 tie.