Atletico go top as Barca, Real stumble

Tuesday, 4 February 2014 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Atletico Madrid thrashed Real Sociedad to go top of La Liga as Barcelona suffered a shock home defeat by Valencia and Real Madrid were held to a draw by Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal returned to the top in England after beating Crystal Palace, but there was more misery for champions Manchester United who lost to Stoke City. Bayern Munich demolished Eintracht Frankfurt 5-0 in Germany and Paris St Germain went five points clear in France by beating Girondins Bordeaux. Atletico Madrid took advantage of Barcelona’s slip-up at home to Valencia to go top of La Liga with a 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad as Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao. Atletico, whose goals were scored by David Villa, Diego Costa, Miranda and new signing Diego, opened up a three-point lead at the summit after Barcelona lost 3-2 to Valencia on Saturday. Real Madrid were held 1-1 by Bilbao, with world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo sent off in the second half following an altercation with Athletic players.