La Liga wrap: Levante move third, Malaga in stalemate

Levante have moved into third in La Liga after a 3-1 win over Espanyol, while Malaga were held by Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Ruben Suarez fired the locals in front from the penalty spot after Rui Fonte had brought down Juanlu on 14 minutes, and the midfielder added a second from 12 yards out just before the hour mark after he was fouled by Jordi Amat.

Amat was sent off, but there was hope for Espanyol as Hector Moreno directed Walter Pandiani’s wayward effort into the net on 72 minutes.

But just four minutes later, Jose Javier Barkero sealed the win with a lovely strike from the edge of the area.

Veteran Uruguayan striker Pandiani was then shown a second yellow for head-butting Nano, leaving Espanyol with nine men.

Big-spending Malaga missed their chance to go top after playing out a 0-0 draw at Real Zaragoza.

Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto produced a strong performance, denying former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for Malaga’s best chance in the first half.

Elsewhere, Mallorca broke a three-game losing run with a 2-1 win at home to Real Sociedad.

Victor and Gonzalo Castro helped Mallorca to the three points after Imanol Agirretxe had put the visitors ahead in the first half.

Fran Rico cancelled out Raul Garcia’s opener to help Granada to a 1-1 draw against Osasuna.

Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander remain winless after they drew 0-0.