Roberto Soldado scored both goals as Valencia CF closed to within a point of the top four by defeating lowly UD Almería 2-1.

Soldado − who also struck twice in Los Blanquinegros' 6-1 defeat of Bursaspor on Wednesday − drilled past Diego Alves (26) before finishing off Juan Mata's clever flick to double the lead (63). José Ulloa headed in a late corner, but it was not enough to prevent a third successive defeat for the visitors, who were being coached for the first time by José Luis Oltra.

Three points behind Valencia in sixth are RCD Mallorca, who defeated third-bottom Málaga CF 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Webó and Gonzalo Castro. Eliseu had a late penalty saved by Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.

Meanwhile, Carlos Gurpegi struck in added time as mid-table Athletic Club overcame CA Osasuna 1-0, and Real Sociedad de Fútbol stopped a run of two successive defeats by coming from a goal down to beat the team directly above Málaga, Real Sporting de Gijón.

Elsewhere, David Trezeguet's seventh Liga effort of the campaign helped Hércules CF to a 3-1 home victory against another struggler, Levante UD, while Markus Rosenberg was the match-winner for Real Racing Club as they edged RC Deportivo La Coruña 1-0.

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