Spanish first division reports
Brief reports of Spanish first division matches played on Sunday:
Brief reports of Spanish first division matches played on Sunday:
ALAVES 1 CELTA VIGO 0
Alaves took just six minutes to score the only goal of the game. Midfielder Pablo's 20-metre drive took a deflection off a Celta defender before spinning into the corner. Celta tried in vain to respond but, without Alexander Mostovoi's guiding presence in midfield and faced with the best defence in the league, they were unable to grab an equaliser.
The defeat was Celta's third in a row since their shock exit from the UEFA Cup at the beginning of the month.
ATHLETIC BILBAO 0 VILLARREAL 0
Athletic did all they could to try and secure their second home win of the season, but they were unable to break down a defiant Villarreal who will be more than pleased with this away point.
ESPANYOL 2 REAL MALLORCA 1
With both sides in desperate need of points, it was hardly surprising this was a hard-fought encounter. Alex Fernandez put the home side ahead in the 22nd minute with a drive from 20 metres, but Mallorca levelled five minutes later when Albert Luque completed a well-crafted passing move with a powerful header.
Argentine forward Martin Posse struck the winner 10 minutes from time, chipping in delicately after the ball had squirted out to him following a goalmouth scramble.
MALAGA 2 OSASUNA 1
A much-needed win for the Andalucians that keeps them clear of the relegation zone. Panamanian international Dely Valdes struck first when he headed in from a corner in the 18th minute. Malaga's second was a carbon copy, but this time it was Argentine striker Ariel Zarate who headed in a minute before halftime. Ivan Rosado pulled a goal back in stoppage-time.
REAL BETIS 2 RAYO VALLECANO 0
Betis took their first win in five games against a sorry-looking Rayo, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table. The sending-off of Moises Arteaga in the 51st minute changed the course of the game.
Two minutes later, an unmarked Joao Tomas headed in after a pin-point cross from Joaquin. Rayo defender Jean Francois Hernandez then gifted Betis their second after his inexplicable decision to catch a Denilson cross which had appeared to go out of play. Gabriel Amato duly converted from the spot to secure the win.
VALENCIA 0 TENERIFE 0
Valencia kept their unbeaten record intact but failed to satisfy their fans in a dour encounter at the Mestalla stadium.
Salva Ballesta missed the best opportunity of the match for the home side when he headed over the bar in the 22nd minute. There were few clear chances for either side and Valencia were reduced to 10 men after midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo was sent off for a push on Bruno Marioni in the 78th minute.
VALLADOLID 2 REAL ZARAGOZA 0
Striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco put his side ahead from the penalty spot after Xavi Aguado brought down Jesus Sanchez in the area in the 20th minute. The Mexican international then played a part in the second 19 minutes from time. His pass to Tote was parried by keeper Juanmi, but substitute Fernando was on hand to drive home.
Aguado was sent off after receiving his second booking six minutes from time.
Played Saturday:
DEPORTIVO CORUNA 3 REAL SOCIEDAD 1
A Roy Makaay hat-trick helped Deportivo fight back from a goal behind against Real Sociedad, who played far better than the scoreline suggests. Xabi Alonso put John Toshack's side into the lead with a spectacular 25-metre strike, but Makaay grabbed an opportunist equaliser nine minutes before the break.
The Dutchman struck again soon after the restart as he drove home at the second attempt and then wrapped up victory with a fine far-post header 16 minutes from time.
LAS PALMAS 0 BARCELONA 0
Despite the scoreline, there was no shortage of chances in an entertaining and open match. The Canary islanders' attacking trio of Ruben, Luis Tevenet and Jorge created a host of problems for the Barca defence while, at the other end, Javier Saviola, Patrick Kluivert and Luis Enrique all missed clear opportunities to snatch a win.
REAL MADRID 2 SEVILLA 1
Fernando Morientes ended his barren run of form with two well-taken strikes either side of halftime to inject new life into Real's stop-start title defence. Zinedine Zidane showed touches of class to prise open the packed Sevilla defence with passes for both goals.
Although Moises Garcia pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, Real recovered their poise to hold on for their fifth win in 13 games.