Euro review - Mainz and Valencia beaten
We look at how the betting is shaping up in each of Europe's most high-profile leagues after a lively lead in which several surprise pacesetters were knocked off their stride...
Germany
Football can be so cruel. Mainz ([13.5]) won their first seven games against all expectations and then, as soon as they slipped, with a 1-0 home loss to Hamburg, they were overhauled, as Borussia Dortmund ([2.86]) passed them on goal difference with a late triumph against Koln. Bayern Munich ([3.4]) remain in the bottom half despite Mario Gomez's hat-trick - no, that's not a typo - in a 3-0 victory over Hannover, while Bayer Leverkusen ([10.5]) climbed to third with a 3-2 win in Wolfsburg.
Spain
The table has a familiar look to it after Barcelona ([1.98]) ended Valencia's unbeaten start with a 2-1 success at the Nou Camp to leapfrog them and Real Madrid ([2.14]) moved top with a 4-1 win in Malaga. It's up to Villarreal ([110.0]) tonight to gatecrash the party when they visit Hercules - three points will put them first. The shock of the weekend was resurgent Sevilla's 2-0 defeat to Sporting Gijon, while Espanyol are up to sixth after earning their first away points with victory in Mallorca.
Italy
Wow, Lazio ([30.0]) mean business! The international break may prove the graveyard of Mainz and Valencia's unlikely title pushes but the Biancocelesti march on after a hugely impressive 2-0 win in Bari, a third straight victory without conceding. The Milanese clubs are both two points behind after AC Milan ([2.84]) beat Chievo 3-1 and Inter ([2.4]) won in Cagliari, with improving Juventus ([8.0]) in sixth after thumping Lecce 4-0. Fiorentina are bottom having thrown away a lead against Sampdoria.
France
Promoted Brest could be second right now yet were instead left rueing a goalless draw at home to previously pointless Arles. Rennes ([14.0]) extended their advantage at the top despite a goalless draw away to Lens after St Etienne lost to Nice, with champions Marseille ([3.35]) benefitting from the trio of stumbles, jumping to a season-high of fourth after defeating Nancy 1-0. Bordeaux ([7.2]) won again and Lyon are 14th after Claude Puel beat Lille for the first time since leaving them in 2008.
Holland
Arguably the tightest top half in Europe at the moment remains congested after the top five all recorded wins. Third-placed FC Twente's ([5.1]) was probably the most admirable of the lot as they enjoyed a rare triumph at Feyenoord, however it's PSV ([2.56]) who are still top after a 4-2 success away to bottom side and neighbours Willem II. Title favourites Ajax ([1.94]) are just a point behind their fierce rivals thanks to a 3-0 romp past NAC Breda, who started the weekend in sixth.
Catch any games? Tell us what you made of the weekend's action below...
Published: 18 Oct 2010
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