Valencia CF beat Málaga CF 2-0 to go four points clear of fourth-placed Levante UD, who lost 2-1 to Granada CF.

With FC Barcelona not in domestic action due to FIFA Club World Cup commitments, Valencia are now just four points adrift of the titleholders and seven behind leaders Real Madrid CF. Unai Emery’s team won against Málaga thanks to a goal in each half from Roberto Soldado, taking his league tally to 11 this term.

Levante, meanwhile, suffered a fifth defeat in their last seven league outings. Granada were their vanquishers on this occasion, prevailing thanks to Guillherme Siqueira's penalty and Abel's effort on the stroke of half-time. Arouna Koné pulled one back for the visitors on the hour.

CA Osasuna are four points adrift of Levante in fifth after defeating Villarreal CF 2-1. Behind to Marco Ruben's 64th-minute opener, Osasuna triumphed courtesy of goals from Ibrahima (75) and Sergio Fernández (83).

Elsewhere, Real Betis Balompié defeated Club Atlético de Madrid 2-0 despite the dismissal of Álex Pozuelo 18 minutes from time and Real Racing Club versus Real Sociedad de Fútbol ended goalless.