Controversy to fore in Spain's match-day 17

There was plenty of controversy to keep Spanish football fans interested in the 17th round of matches in the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga played on Wednesday.

The fact that some of the games kicked off during office hours on what was a working day in Spain had a negative effect on attendances, but that was probably good news for Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez, who was roundly booed before, during and after his side's 3-1 win at home to Real Sociedad.

The Real Madrid players were also booed by the fans in the Bernabeu, but despite two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Lucas Vazquez, the protagonist of the day was referee Gonzalez Gonzalez, who wrongly awarded Madrid two penalties, while failing to give the visitors at least one which should have been given.

Gonzalez's display so angered Real Sociedad President Jokin Arrepibay that he was reported by the official for going down to the tunnel and telling him "I am going to denounce you to the police for robbery."

Real Sociedad also lost midfielder Sergio Canales who suffered the third serious knee injury of his career.

Barcelona were far superior to Betis and their margin of victory could have been much greater than the 4-0 final score which game thanks to an own goal, two goals from Luis Suarez and one from Leo Messi.

However, the Catalans also had a helping hand in their first goal which came from a penalty which should not have been given and was then illegally taken by Neymar, who touched the ball twice, before it eventually went into the goal off a defender after rebounding off the post.

"I never complain if referees make mistakes either in our favor or against us," said Barca coach Luis Enrique afterwards.

Zhang Chengdong became the first Chinese player to debut in Spain's BBVA Primera Liga when he was an 81st minute substitute for Rayo Vallecano in their Madrid derby at home to Real Madrid.

Unfortunately for Zhang and for Rayo, Atletico won a close game with goals from Correa and Antoine Griezmann in the last two minutes of the game to remain level on points with Barca.

Raul Garcia's second half goal gave Athletic Club Bilbao a 1-0 win away to fourth-placed Celta Vigo, for whom Augusto Fernandez played his last game before joining Atletico Madrid, while Sevilla continued their rise up the table with a 2-0 win over Espanyol.

Deportivo la Coruna and Getafe could only draw 0-0, while strikes from Keko and Borja Baston ended a five game run without a win for Eibar as they defeated Sporting Gijon 2-0.

Sporting are plummeting into danger and with a ban on new signings, it looks as if the second half of the season could be tough for Abelardo Fernandz's side.

Levante are also in deep trouble and remain bottom of the table after Duda's 79th minute goal gave Malaga their third win in three matches, while Las Palmas' good football got its reward as they thrashed fellow strugglers Granada 4-0.

Goals from Tana, Aroujo, Jonathan Viera and Lomban helped the side from the Canary Islands climb out of the drop zone to 16th in the table. Endit