LFP: Kanoute keeps Sevilla in touch at top

Substitute Frederic Kanoute headed the winner for Sevilla who overcame a resurgent Villarreal 3-2 to keep themselves in touch with Barcelona at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Villarreal proved tough competition though and responded to Luis Fabiano’s opener after nine minutes with goals from Robert Pires and David Fuster. Fabiano equalized almost immediately and then Kanoute, still not fully fit and starting the game on the bench, scored a crucial winner to maintain the four-point distance from the champions.

Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez felt his players were not as sharp as they should have been after playing in the Champions League in midweek.

“We can have no excuses about playing in three competitions and it is now that we have to show how strong we are. We need to be able to change the chip quickly and be concentrated,” Jimenez said.

Valencia’s star-studded strike force were responsible for a 3-1 victory over Real Zaragoza.

Juan Mata put Valencia ahead after 17 minutes, with David Villa and Pablo Hernandez also adding to the lead before halftime.

In the second half, Valencia had further chances, but the only goal came from Zaragoza midfielder Abel Aguilar.

The victory leaves Valencia in fourth place, five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Sporting Gijon have their eyes set on a place in Europe after beating Espanyol 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Mate Bilic.

Espanyol traveled to Gijon on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run, but they conceded after just three minutes, with Bilic deflecting in a Diego Castro shot.

Athletic Bilbao beat Racing Santander 2-0 to condemn the home side to their third consecutive defeat. Racing showed the greater desire and were controlling the midfield through Jose Moraton and Mehdi Lacen, but they lacked a cutting edge.

When Carlos Gurpegui headed home against the run of play, Racing’s confidence evaporated and they struggled to battle back. The win was assured when Andoni Iraola converted a spot-kick.

Spanish La Liga