Valencia keep up Champions League push

Valencia remained on course for a place in the Champions League after a convincing 3-1 victory over Real Zaragoza on Sunday lifted them to third in the Spanish League table.

Juan Mata put Valencia ahead after 17 minutes with David Villa and Pablo Hernandez also adding to the lead before half-time.

In the second half, Valencia had chances to add to their lead but the only goal came from Zaragoza midfielder Abel Aguilar.

The win leaves Valencia five points behind leaders Barcelona, but they could be overtaken by Sevilla who tackle Villarreal in Sunday’s late match.

Sporting Gijon have their eyes set on a place in Europe after beating Espanyol 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Mate Bilic.

Espanyol travelled to Gijon on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run but they conceded after just three minutes with Bilic deflecting a Diego Castro shot over the line.

Athletic Bilbao beat Racing Santander 2-0 to condemn the home side to their third consecutive defeat.

Racing showed the greater desire and were controlling the midfield through Jose Moraton and Mehdi Lacen but crucially they lacked a cutting edge.

When Carlos Gurpegui headed home against the run of play Racing’s confidence quickly evaporated and they struggled to battle back.

The victory was assured for Athletic when Lacen felled Ion Velez in the area and Andoni Iraola converted the spot-kick.

An own-goal by Josetxo Romero set Almeria on their way to a 2-0 win over Osasuna.

The side from Pamplona were hoping to build on the draw with Barcelona last week but were behind after just a couple of minutes with Josetxo putting through his own net.

In a game without any real structure Kalu Uche scored the second a minute from the end.

On Saturday, 10-man Real Madrid survived a late fightback by Atletico Madrid to win 3-2 and keep the pressure on leaders Barcelona.

In an action-packed derby at the Calderon, Kaka gave Real the lead after just five minutes although there were suspicions of a foul on Cleber Santana in the lead-up.

Chances came and went for both sides but Real were more clinical with Marcelo doubling the advantage with an acute drive with his weaker right foot.

Still not fully fit, Sergio Aguero was introduced in the second half and after running through on goal was brought down by Sergio Ramos who was dismissed.

However, Real went further ahead through Gonzalo Higuain after 73 minutes before Atletico launched an assault which saw Diego Forlan and Aguero both score.

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini said: “In the first half, Atletico hardly caused us any trouble and then we still had everything controlled until Ramos was sent off.

“We have to improve because we lack consistency but I have a good feeling about the team.”

Youngster Pedro Rodriguez scored a brace as Barcelona kept up a one-point lead over Real with a 4-2 win over Real Mallorca.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sent out a second-string side with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Leo Messi and Dani Alves all missing from the starting line-up.

Barcelona dominated the game and went ahead through Pedro after a delightful back-heel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jose Nunes levelled for Mallorca, heading home at the far post from a corner but Barcelona scored twice in the run-up to half-time.

Pedro scored again and then Thierry Henry grabbed his first goal after an injury-plagued start to the season.

Mallorca were unable make any real inroads after the break and substitute Messi increased Barcelona’s advantage from the penalty spot. There was still time at the end for a consolation from Alhassane Keita.

“It wasn’t all bad,” said Guardiola. “Last year nobody gave us any chance and each step that we made was met by surprise, but this year there is no room for surprises.”