Negredo sets up Sevilla win over Valencia in Spanish league

Substitute Alfaro Negredo came off the bench to score the opener as Sevilla beat ten-man Valencia 2-0 and moved into a European place on Monday.

Sevilla have made an inconsistent start under new coach Gregorio Manzano but responded well after their 5-0 mauling by Barcelona last week.

They pressured from the start and seemed not to miss the attacking qualities of the injured Jesus Navas with Diego Perotti taking over down the right wing.

In fact it was Perotti who crossed for Luis Fabiano to hit the post but generally Valencia looked strong at the back and had a chance of their own to score when Juan Mata was put through but keeper Javi Varas saved well with his feet.

The game turned on the harsh sending off of Mehmet Topal for a challenge on Martin Caceres.

Negredo was brought on to bolster the Sevilla attack and he scored with practically his first touch, slipping the ball home after substitute keeper Vicente Guaita blocked a Caceres shot.

Sevilla were stretched and Alejandro Alfaro headed home a Mouhamadou Dabo cross to make the game safe and it left Valencia with a return of just one point from the last four games.

On Sunday Real Madrid had continued their ominous start to the season with a 2-0 derby win over Atletico which means that they have now dropped just two points so far.

Despite their rich attacking line-up it was Ricardo Carvalho who put them in front before Mesut Ozil made the game secure.

Barcelona are keeping the pressure on just one point behind after a Leo Messi inspired 3-1 win over Getafe.

The Argentinian opened the scoring before David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez added further goals. Manu del Moral struck a consolation for Getafe from the penalty spot.

Villarreal maintained their 100 percent home record with a 4-1 destruction of Athletic Bilbao.