Spanish first division match reports
Reports of matches played in the Spanish first division on Saturday:
Reports of matches played in the Spanish first division on Saturday:
DEPORTIVO CORUNA 2 RAYO VALLECANO 0
Deportivo responded well to the disappointment of their midweek Champions League exit, easing to a win that keeps them within striking distance of the leaders.
Roy Makaay put them ahead from the penalty spot on 18 minutes after a foul on Hector just inside the box.
Rayo's task was complicated when Sergio Corina received a second yellow card on 83 minutes and two minutes later Noureddine Naybet secured victory with a breakaway goal.
The match marked a return to action for former Spanish international goalkeeper Jose Molina, back in the first team after receiving treatment for testicular cancer.
RACING SANTANDER 1 REAL SOCIEDAD 2
Real Sociedad had to come from behind against much improved Racing to stay within a point of league leaders Real Madrid.
Racing went ahead through Yossi Benayoun on five minutes, the Israeli international chesting the ball down in the area and hooking past Sander Westerveld.
Sociedad equalised with a brilliant Nihat Kahveci free kick on 23 minutes and they were given a let-off in the second half when Ismael blasted a penalty over the bar.
Racing were made to pay for that miss a few minutes later when Valery Karpin fired in the winner.
VILLARREAL 0 REAL MADRID 1
Real Madrid needed a last-gasp strike from Ivan Helguera to claim victory and stay clear at the top of the table.
The visitors started well and Raul came close to giving them the lead on five minutes as he beat two players on the edge of the box only to chip straight into the arms of Pepe Reina.
Villarreal gradually took control of the game but Martin Palermo and Antonio Guayre both missed simple chances and Real took advantage in the 90th minute when Helguera cropped up unmarked at the far post after the home side had failed to clear a corner. - -
Playing Sunday:
Alaves vs. Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia Atletico Madrid vs. Celta Vigo Espanyol v Malaga
Osasuna vs. Real Mallorca
Real Betis vs. Recreativo Huelva Valladolid v Sevilla