La Liga wrap: Hercules, Valencia claim victories

A Nelson Valdez double helped Hercules defeat Levante in a clash between two promoted sides in La Liga on Sunday, while Valencia also won.

Paraguay international Valdez opened the scoring in the 40th minute at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez, but the lead lasted less than a minute before Ruben Suarez Estrada levelled for the visitors.

Former France and Juventus man David Trezeguet restored Hercules’ advantage shortly after the hour mark, before Valdez struck again five minutes later.

Victory sees Hercules climb to 13th in the table, while Levante continue to flirt with relegation, just one point ahead of the drop.

Valencia beat Almeria 2-1 at home to remain one point behind fourth-place Espanyol.

Goals in each half from former Real Madrid man Roberto Soldado helped Valencia on their way at the Mestalla, and a late consolation strike for the visitors courtesy of Jose Ulloa had little bearing on the outcome, with Almeria still languishing in 19th place, one point off the foot of the table.

Malaga’s woes worsened with a 2-0 defeat away to Mallorca.

Two goals in the space of five second-half minutes at Iberostar Estadi -scored by Cameroon international Pierre Webo and German Gonzalo Castro – helped the hosts climb to sixth in the table, while Malaga remain in the relegation zone, third from bottom.

Sporting Gijon are just one point clear of the drop zone after a 3-1 defeat at home to Real Sociedad.

Hosts Sporting took the lead early on at El Molinon courtesy of Arnolin Gregory, but the visitors levelled through Xabi Prieto, before goals from David Zurutuza and Mikel Aranburu helped to secure the win.

Elsewhere, Racing Santander drew level on points with Deportivo La Coruna in 14th place following a 1-0 win at El Sardinero, while Athletic Bilbao defeated Osasuna by the same scoreline at San Mames.