In Spain, Atletico Madrid strengthened their defence with the capture of Domingo Cisma from Racing Santander.

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And the home side nearly doubled their advantage just seven minutes later when Domingo Cisma's free-kick was superbly saved by Iker Casillas.

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And Fabregas also played a hand in the second goal -- the former Arsenal midfielder earning a 56th minute penalty after being fouled by Domingo Cisma, with Messi making no mistake from the spot.

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Almeria went ahead for a second time in the game when Puyol put through his own net in the 57th after he diverted a cross from Brazilian Guilherme past Valdes before Ibrahimovic was sent off on the hour mark for a needless foul on Cisma.

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