Late show Valencia reignite Spanish title push
Valencia, who were Spanish champions in 2004, reignited their challenge for the 2005/2006 crown by beating Celta Vigo 2-0 to move into fourth place in the table.
The win also put a stop to a worrying dip in form for Valencia who, since beating Real Madrid 2-1 on October 23 at the Bernabeu, had taken just four points from four games before Saturday.
They were even whistled off at half-time at the Mestella before victory was secured by two late goals.
David Villa, who scored his first international goal in Spain's World Cup play-off win over Slovakia earlier in the month, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute with Fabio Aurelio adding the second six minutes later.
Valencia are now three points behind leaders Barcelona who face Racing Santander on Sunday.
In Saturday's other game, Athletic Bilbao moved off the bottom with a 1-0 win at Real Mallorca with Luis Prieto hitting the winner in the 56th minute.
On Sunday, Real Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo will be playing for his professional life when the Spanish giants visit Real Sociedad.
Luxemburgo has come under fire before during his brief tenure at Real, having only taken over last December, but the club's fans called for his head during the last 10 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The traditional waving of white handkerchiefs to signal their displeasure was accompanied by jeering and shouts around the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of, "Out, out, out."
"The whistling was fair. If I'd have been in the stands then I would also have been whistling," said Luxemburgo.
The former Brazil national coach was given a stay of execution at a Real directors' meeting on Thursday night, which in theory was to look at the injury crisis in the first team squad.
However, Luxemburgo will have got a clear message about his future.
"I'm tough, I'm relaxed about carrying on. The president and vice-president are backing me. They greeted me and talked normally (after the game)," added Luxemburgo.
The whistles came partly, although many Real fans were in a restless mood after Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to bitter rivals and Spanish league leaders Barcelona, because of the substitution of their favourite David Beckham.
"Beckham was in pain with his back. I'm not going to wait until he dies," commented Luxemburgo, defending his decision.
The England captain's back continued to throb on Thursday and Beckham didn't train.
Brazilian internationals Robinho and Roberto Carlos also missed the session after picking up knocks against Lyon.
Real officials said all three should be fit for Sunday's trip to Real Sociedad, who have only lost one game at home this season, but will have late fitness tests.
More doubtful for the game in San Sebastian is Ronaldo.
Having only just come back after a month out of action, the former World Player of the Year picked up an ankle injury against Barcelona and missed the game against Lyon.
Real may be in a state of panic but their fellow Spanish giants Barcelona are buoyant.
The reigning Spanish champions are back on top of the league for the first time since they took the title back in March.
With Barca having scored 24 goals in their last seven outings, struggling Racing Santander can hardly be relishing a visit to the Nou Camp stadium.