Valencia trail behind the leaders

Valencia trail behind the leaders

Valencia remain firmly on the coat-tails of the Primera Division pace-setters after easing to a comfortable 3-1 victory over nine-man Osasuna at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra.

Goals from David Villa, David Albelda and Carlos Marchena ensured a routine victory for Unai Emery's men, who remain fourth, just four points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Villarreal's dismal start to the season is fast becoming a distant memory as Ernesto Valverde's side continued their revival with a convincing 3-1 home victory over Real Valladolid.

Record signing Nilmar netted twice and strike partner Giuseppe Rossi also got on the scoresheet to set Villarreal on their way to victory, with Valladolid only managing to net a consolation through Diego Costa.

Real Mallorca struck twice in the last two minutes to preserve their 100% home record in the Primera Division with a 3-1 victory over plucky Almeria.

The islanders had won all of their previous five league matches at Son Moix but looked as though they would have to settle for a draw in this one after David Rodriguez cancelled out Gonzalo Castro's first-half strike.

The scores remained level with just two minutes left but Victor struck to put Mallorca back in front and Castro grabbed a third for Gregorio Manzano's side deep into injury time.

Getafe struck two late goals to beat Espanyol 2-0 and get the better of the Catalans once again after recently knocking the Barcelona-based outfit out of the Copa del Rey.

Espanyol were keen to gain revenge following that cup exit and had most of the play in this match, but the Catalans were unable to avenge that disappointment with goals and Getafe took all three points thanks to strikes from Francisco Javier Casquero and Pedro Rios in the last 12 minutes.

Xerez remain rooted in the relegation zone following a goalless home draw against Sporting Gijon.

Both sides hit the woodwork twice, the hosts through a Sidi Keita shot and an Antonito header and the visitors through n early Jose Angel free-kick and a Miguel de las Cuevas blast.

But neither team could find the target and the sides left with a point each which means Xerez remain second from bottom while Sporting stay seventh.

Malaga continue to prop up the rest after playing out a fiery 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Real Zaragoza in a match which saw both teams finish with 10 men.

Zaragoza took the lead just after half-time when substitute Ewerthon slotted home from the penalty spot but Malaga salvaged a point thanks to debutant Ivan Gonzalez's towering header in the 74th minute.

In between those two goals, both teams lost a player to early baths, with Zaragoza defender Javier Paredes picking up his second yellow card in the 59th minute and Malaga centre-back Weligton following him two minutes later after being shown a straight red.

Real Madrid continued their fine start to the season with a steady if unspectacular 1-0 home win over Racing Santander on Saturday night.

Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute as Madrid made it 28 points from a possible 33 from their 11 games so far as they stayed top of the pile by a point.

Barcelona will head into El Clasico next weekend in second after being held to a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.

Pep Guardiola's side kicked off the clash at San Mames having relinquished top spot to Real Madrid.

The Spanish and European champions looked on course to reclaim their place at the summit when Dani Alves opened the scoring in the 54th minute, but substitute Gaizka Toquero levelled matters nine minutes later and Athletic held on for a point.

Sevilla survived a late Tenerife fightback to hold on for a 2-1 win and consolidate third place in the table.

Manolo Jimenez's side took control just after the half hour when Diego Perotti struck the opener. Renato then doubled their lead three minutes after the break and the three points looked guaranteed.

But there were some nervous moments for the Andalusians late on after Nino pulled a goal back with 15 minutes still left on the clock.

Andres Guardado struck a dramatic last-minute penalty to give Deportivo La Coruna all three points in a lively 2-1 success over Atletico Madrid, condemning the visitors to a third straight defeat under new coach Quique Sanchez Flores.