LFP: Valencia beat Osasuna to stay in touch with leaders

Valencia beat Osasuna 3-1 with goals from David Villa, David Albelda and Carlos Marchena on Sunday to stay in touch with the Spanish league leaders.

Villa scored his ninth league goal in the 12th minute from a Marchena assist. In the 20th minute, Albelda spotted goalkeeper Ricardo Lopez slightly off his line and judged his lob to perfection. Marchena’s 25m volley early in the second half made it 3-0.

A well-organized Valencia always looked a threat when going forward, while Osasuna were subdued for most of the game. It was only after striker Walter Pandiani was sent off on the hour for his second yellow card that the hosts struck. Iran striker Masoud Soleimani took advantage of a rare attack by his team and headed in from close range.

Miguel Flano was sent off in injury-time for a reckless challenge to leave Osasuna with nine men.

Earlier on Sunday, Nilmar scored twice as Villarreal beat Valladolid 3-1.

The Brazilian headed both goals, in the seventh minute from Damian Escudero’s cross and in the 47th minute when he latched on to a long pass out of defense and lobbed onrushing keeper Justo Villar.

Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi made it 3-0 in the 58th minute, before Valladolid’s Diego Costa cut the deficit three minutes later, taking advantage of a defensive error to shoot home from a tight angle.

In a bad-tempered game, Malaga drew 1-1 with Real Zaragoza after both sides were reduced to 10 men for most of the second half.

Ewerthon put Zaragoza ahead in the 49th minute from the penalty spot. Zaragoza’s Javier Paredes was sent off on the hour and moments later Malaga’s Weligton was expelled for punching Raul Goni. Ivan Gonzalez rose to head in the equalizer in the 75th minute.

Late goals by Victor Castano and Gonzalo Castro gave Real Mallorca a 3-1 win against Almeria, Getafe beat Espanyol 2-0 and Xerez drew 0-0 with Sporting Gijon.

Spanish La Liga