Mallorca keep pressure on for Champions League spot

Real Mallorca moved onto the fringes of the Champions League places after a comfortable 3-0 win over Sporting Gijon.

Their remarkable season continues and now sees them behind fourth placed Sevilla on only goal difference after the victory against an in-form Sporting side looking for their third consecutive victory.

A long range shot from Julio Alvarez surprised the Sporting keeper Juan Pablo Colinas to put Mallorca ahead and while they were always in control they did not extend the lead until the last 15 minutes when Victor Casadesus and Pierre Webo wrapped up the match.

Bottom side Xerez won their first away match of the season with a 4-2 victory over Malaga.

Momo Figueroa put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after just five minutes but it appeared as though Malaga were on track for victory after goals from Sergio Duda and Valmiro Valdo put them into the lead.

Xerez though enjoyed the luck which they have lacked for much of this season as Momo scored their second penalty and then Leandro Gioda and Fabian Orellana completed the scoring.

Keeper Diego Lopez was the hero as Villarreal drew 0-0 with Espanyol. The highly-rated shot-stopper made several important blocks in the first half notably an effort from Jose Callejon from close range which he parried for a corner.

In the second half Espanyol were forced back by the expulsion of Callejon and while Villarreal pressed they were unable to create any clear-cut chances.

Osasuna also drew 0-0 with Getafe after dominating the game and spurning a hatful of opportunities.

Later on Sunday Athletic Bilbao entertain Valladolid while Zaragoza face a tough match against Atletico Madrid but are boosted with the news that in-form striker Humberto Suazo is fit.

On Monday, Valencia play Racing Santander with their three-point cushion above fourth place intact after Sevilla’s defeat.

A stoppage time winner from Rafael van der Vaart gave Real Madrid a 3-2 win over Sevilla and put them top of the table.

After ten-man Barcelona were held 2-2 by Almeria, Real took full advantage in a dramatic finale to go ahead of the Catalans on goal difference.

Having gone behind through a Xabi Alonso own-goal and then a Ivica Dragutinovic free-kick, Real started their comeback with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

It appeared as though Real would have to settle for a draw before a grandstand finish van der Vaart slot home from close range. A brace from Leo Messi rescued a point for Barcelona against an Almeria side who more than held their own.

The Argentine twice brought Barca level after Almeria had gone ahead through Domingo Cisma and then a Carles Puyol own-goal. In a bad night for Barca, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also dismissed for kicking out.