Real Madrid moved seven points

Real Madrid moved seven points clear of Barcelona heading into the La Liga winter break after winning Sunday's 'El Clasico' 1-0 at the Camp Nou.

Julio Baptista's 36th minute strike when he found the net with a superb rising half-volley from 20 yards settled a tense derby where chances were at a premium.

The result increases the pressure on Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, who named Thierry Henry on the bench after his recent back problems but overlooked the France striker in favour of Bojan when chasing the game in the second half.

Elsewhere, Espanyol moved to within one point of their city rivals after winning 2-1 at Atletico Madrid.

Raul Tamudo equalised Simao Sabrosa's opener for Atletico, before Luis Garcia sealed the win five minutes from full-time.

Espanyol leapfrogged Villarreal up to third after they were held to a 1-1 draw by improving Recreativo Huelva.

Real Mallorca were soundly beaten 3-1 at Osasuna as their recent poor form continued.

Meanwhile, second bottom Deportivo La Coruna moved ten points clear of beleaguered Levante after winning 1-0 at their relegation rivals.

Sergio Gonzalez 85th minute penalty sealed a vital three points for Miguel Angel Lotina's side.

In Sunday's late game, Athletic Bilbao and Murcia fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at San Mames.

Kaka linked with Real Madrid

Real Madrid to make £53m AC Milan star offer?

Kaka is once again being linked with the Spanish giants.

Italian newspaper reports on Friday suggest Madrid officials have met with Kaka's father and agent Gaetano Paolillo to discuss a world-record deal for the 25-year-old playmaker.

Football players transfer speculations

- Arsenal will offer amount of 10 million pounds for Marseille winger Franck Ribery.

- Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, said about moving to Derby County:

"There might be something there for me."

- Italian AC Milan are ready to re-sign Andrei Shevchenko from Chelsea. Milan Vice-president Adriano Galliani told the Daily Star:

"We are ready to buy him back."

- Atletico Madrid will fight Real Madrid for Manchester United’s Gabriel Heinze, with about 5 millions pounds.

- Newcastle United are being tipped to sign Bolton Wanderers’ Tal Ben Haim on a free transfer.