Valencia CF took over the outright Liga lead on Saturday with a 2-0 win against Real Sporting de Gijón as Real Madrid CF were held by Levante UD to fall behind FC Barcelona, 3-1 victors at Athletic Club.

Mehmet Topal headed in a corner on seven minutes to put Valencia in front at Sporting and three minutes later Roberto Soldado turned in a Juan Mata cross. Madrid kicked off when Valencia finished and the draw left them two points adrift of their fellow unbeaten side.

Madrid were dominant but were continually frustrated, including deep in added time when Gonzalo Higuaín was sent through but Manuel Reina just got a hand to the ball. José Mourinho's side are now down to third, a point behind Barcelona after their victory at seventh-placed Athletic.

The home side lost Fernando Amorebieta to a first-half red card and on 55 minutes Andrés Iniesta and David Villa combined to supply Seydou Keita for a fine finish. Xavi Hernández made it 2-0 to Barcelona with a deflected shot 16 minutes from time. There was plenty of late drama as Villa was sent off and Igor Gabilondo pulled one back, only for Sergio Busquets to respond immediately.

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