Oliveira hat-trick powers Valencia back to the top

Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira grabbed a hat-trick as Valencia made a spectacular return to form with a crushing 6-1 win away at Malaga that sent them top of the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Valencia, who had taken just a point from their previous two games, got off to a flying start when they went 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes, Mista heading in the first and Oliveira firing in the second.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side when keeper Francesc Arnau was sent off for handling the ball outside the area midway through the half and Valencia took full advantage when defender Carlos Marchena scored a third straight after the break.

Oliveira completed his hat-trick with two powerful headers in a devastating seven-minute spell and midfielder David Albelda completed the rout with a sixth.

Salva Ballesta pulled one back just over a minute later, but it was scant consolation for a beleaguered Malaga who have now lost five games on the trot.

Valencia lead the table by a point from Real Madrid, who can reclaim top spot at Valladolid on Sunday.