Valencia slip leaves Real Madrid top in Spain

Valencia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Osasuna on Sunday to leave title favourites Real Madrid two points clear at the top of the table.

Valencia, needing to win to reclaim top spot after Real's 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, had only themselves to blame as centre-back Mauricio Pellegrino scored a ridiculous own-goal to gift Osasuna the lead at the end of the first half.

Mista and Xisco had good chances after the break but Valencia, who had Amedeo Carboni sent off four minutes from time, were unable to find an equaliser.

The result completed a miserable week's work for Valencia, who went down 3-0 to Real Madrid in the opening leg of their King's Cup quarter-final tie at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

With 21 games played, Real lead the standings with 46 points, followed by Valencia on 44.

Deportivo, in third place on 40 points, have the chance to climb within three points of the leaders in a game away to Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.