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Goal.com looks back at the first week of La Liga action in 2009, picking out the eleven best players on show in Spain's top-flight...
Week 17 in Spain saw Barcelona continue where they left off in 2009 as they beat Real Mallorca 3-1 at the Camp Nou, and also saw Real Madrid pick up a second consecutive 1-0 victory, this time against Villarreal.
Elsewhere, Valencia outclassed Atlético Madrid on Saturday evening with a 3-1 scoreline, and Hugo Sánchez got his reign as Almería coach off to a good start by beating Real Betis 1-0.
There were also wins for Recreativo Huelva, Racing Santander, Málaga and Deportivo La Coruña.
FORMATION: 4-4-2
GOALKEEPER
Asier Riesgo (Recreativo Huelva)
Recreativo might have picked up a win against Numancia at the weekend but the result could have been so different had Riesgo not been in goal. Twice the 'keeper watched as his side gave away penalties, and twice he saved from 12 yards, firstly from Javier Barkero, and then from Gorka Brit. Aside from that he looked assured and confident, and whilst the strikers might take the plaudits for winning the match, he certainly deserves some credit.
DEFENDERS
Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)
The right-back has been one of the best players for Athletic Bilbao this season and against Espanyol he put in another fine performance, both going forward and at the back. The Basque looked strong in defence and after clearing the ball off the line late on, he then went up the other end and hit a wonderful volley to drag his side level.
Sergio (Osasuna)
Osasuna stunned Sevilla on Sunday evening thanks mainly to the solidarity of the defence and their determination not to let their hosts play. Sergio was at the heart of all things good about the back line, as he frustrated Kanouté, not giving him any time on the ball or allowing him to link up with his team-mates.
Pepe (Real Madrid)
Might have made a huge error towards the end of the match but the Portuguese defender had been impeccable up until then as he kept out the Villarreal attack time and time again. Easy to see why Real Madrid missed him in recent weeks and with him back at the centre of defence they should be a reformed side.
Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
Abidal might not have been missed like Iniesta has been missed, but there is no doubt that the Frenchman adds plenty to this Barcelona side. On Saturday he did his job well all evening, and whilst it wasn't a performance marked by a goal, he was solid, and provided his side with a good option going forward.
MIDFIELDERS
Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)
All the talk from the Real Madrid camp lately has been about whether they have a chance to catch Barcelona this season, and with Arjen Robben in the side, that doesn't seem so unlikely. The Dutch international was simply brilliant against Villarreal, tormenting them all over the pitch with his dribbling, trickery and pace, and his goal was of the highest class. Add to that the fact that he could have easily had more himself, and could have gained an assist or two, and it is easy to see what Madrid have been lacking lately.
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
Has been the target of criticism for much of his time at Barcelona but against Real Mallorca he was solid and one of the most impressive players for the home side. Hit the bar with a thunderous volley before half-time and then set up Iniesta for the second goal, in a performance that might not have been spectacular, but was very efficient.
Javier Camuñas (Recreativo Huelva)
Might not have been the most prolific scorer this season but against Numancia he showed exactly what he is capable of with a classy performance, marked by an important goal. The attacking midfielder won the free-kick that created the opener for his side, and then scored the decisive second after a good move from his team, also looked a threat all match in attack.
David Silva (Valencia)
The first game the Spaniard has started since the opening day of the season, and how he marked it! Silva was a constant threat to the Atlético Madrid defence and whilst his first goal was nothing out of the ordinary, a poke past Leo Franco, the second was world class, as he drilled a shot from distance into the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
FORWARDS
Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
His first game in his second spell at Racing Santander and the big, imposing Zigic certainly showed fans just what they had been missing. Took his one and only opportunity well to give his side the win, and all throughout the match he linked up brilliantly with the rest of the side, showing his qualities and strengths.
Rodolfo Bodipo (Deportivo La Coruña)
Deportivo La Coruña moved up into the top six on Sunday following their win over Getafe and it was mainly thanks to the work-rate and finishing of Bodipo. The striker looked lively from the start, seeing a goal-bound header cleared just minutes in, and gave his side the lead early on when he smashed home from close range, before winning the penalty that sealed the game as the clock wore down.
SUBS
Those who were close but didn't quite make it...
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Fernando Navarro (Sevilla)
Miguel Corona (Almería)
Nené (Espanyol)
Thierry Henry (Barcelona)
Week 17 in Spain saw Barcelona continue where they left off in 2009 as they beat Real Mallorca 3-1 at the Camp Nou, and also saw Real Madrid pick up a second consecutive 1-0 victory, this time against Villarreal.
Elsewhere, Valencia outclassed Atlético Madrid on Saturday evening with a 3-1 scoreline, and Hugo Sánchez got his reign as Almería coach off to a good start by beating Real Betis 1-0.
There were also wins for Recreativo Huelva, Racing Santander, Málaga and Deportivo La Coruña.
FORMATION: 4-4-2
GOALKEEPER
Asier Riesgo (Recreativo Huelva)
Recreativo might have picked up a win against Numancia at the weekend but the result could have been so different had Riesgo not been in goal. Twice the 'keeper watched as his side gave away penalties, and twice he saved from 12 yards, firstly from Javier Barkero, and then from Gorka Brit. Aside from that he looked assured and confident, and whilst the strikers might take the plaudits for winning the match, he certainly deserves some credit.
DEFENDERS
Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)
The right-back has been one of the best players for Athletic Bilbao this season and against Espanyol he put in another fine performance, both going forward and at the back. The Basque looked strong in defence and after clearing the ball off the line late on, he then went up the other end and hit a wonderful volley to drag his side level.
Sergio (Osasuna)
Osasuna stunned Sevilla on Sunday evening thanks mainly to the solidarity of the defence and their determination not to let their hosts play. Sergio was at the heart of all things good about the back line, as he frustrated Kanouté, not giving him any time on the ball or allowing him to link up with his team-mates.
Pepe (Real Madrid)
Might have made a huge error towards the end of the match but the Portuguese defender had been impeccable up until then as he kept out the Villarreal attack time and time again. Easy to see why Real Madrid missed him in recent weeks and with him back at the centre of defence they should be a reformed side.
Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
Abidal might not have been missed like Iniesta has been missed, but there is no doubt that the Frenchman adds plenty to this Barcelona side. On Saturday he did his job well all evening, and whilst it wasn't a performance marked by a goal, he was solid, and provided his side with a good option going forward.
MIDFIELDERS
Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)
All the talk from the Real Madrid camp lately has been about whether they have a chance to catch Barcelona this season, and with Arjen Robben in the side, that doesn't seem so unlikely. The Dutch international was simply brilliant against Villarreal, tormenting them all over the pitch with his dribbling, trickery and pace, and his goal was of the highest class. Add to that the fact that he could have easily had more himself, and could have gained an assist or two, and it is easy to see what Madrid have been lacking lately.
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
Has been the target of criticism for much of his time at Barcelona but against Real Mallorca he was solid and one of the most impressive players for the home side. Hit the bar with a thunderous volley before half-time and then set up Iniesta for the second goal, in a performance that might not have been spectacular, but was very efficient.
Javier Camuñas (Recreativo Huelva)
Might not have been the most prolific scorer this season but against Numancia he showed exactly what he is capable of with a classy performance, marked by an important goal. The attacking midfielder won the free-kick that created the opener for his side, and then scored the decisive second after a good move from his team, also looked a threat all match in attack.
David Silva (Valencia)
The first game the Spaniard has started since the opening day of the season, and how he marked it! Silva was a constant threat to the Atlético Madrid defence and whilst his first goal was nothing out of the ordinary, a poke past Leo Franco, the second was world class, as he drilled a shot from distance into the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
FORWARDS
Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
His first game in his second spell at Racing Santander and the big, imposing Zigic certainly showed fans just what they had been missing. Took his one and only opportunity well to give his side the win, and all throughout the match he linked up brilliantly with the rest of the side, showing his qualities and strengths.
Rodolfo Bodipo (Deportivo La Coruña)
Deportivo La Coruña moved up into the top six on Sunday following their win over Getafe and it was mainly thanks to the work-rate and finishing of Bodipo. The striker looked lively from the start, seeing a goal-bound header cleared just minutes in, and gave his side the lead early on when he smashed home from close range, before winning the penalty that sealed the game as the clock wore down.
SUBS
Those who were close but didn't quite make it...
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Fernando Navarro (Sevilla)
Miguel Corona (Almería)
Nené (Espanyol)
Thierry Henry (Barcelona)
