Sevilla take third place after easy win at Espanyol

Sevilla moved up into third in the Primera Liga after an authoritative 3-1 win over fellow high-fliers Espanyol on Sunday.

Early strikes from midfielder Jordi Lopez and striker Julio Baptista allowed the Andalucians to take a 2-0 lead into the break and although Jonathan Soriano pulled one back, defender Daniel Alves wrapped up the win deep into injury time.

The result left Sevilla with 52 points from 31 games, two clear of Villarreal who visit Deportivo Coruna in one of Sunday's late matches.

Leaders Barcelona can take a major stride towards their first league title in six years when they play arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the big match later on Sunday.

The Catalans enjoy a nine-point advantage over Real at the top of the table with eight games to play.

Sevilla's city rivals Real Betis missed their chance to stay in the Champions League places when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Levante and are now in fifth place level on 50 points with Villarreal.

Last season's champions Valencia also let slip a golden opportunity to close in on the Champions League berths when they twice surrendered the lead to be held 2-2 at home to Malaga.

At the other end of the table Osasuna eased their relegation worries after gaining their first win in 13 games and their first since the start of the year with a 1-0 victory at home to Racing Santander.

Real Mallorca and Albacete were left staring relegation in the face after respective defeats to Real Zaragoza and Getafe. The two sides are now 10 points adrift of safety with just seven games left to play.