Valencia beat Betis to strengthen hold on third

Third-placed Valencia CF have moved four points clear of a chasing pack headed by Málaga CF – who visit CA Osasuna on Monday – thanks to a 4-0 win at home against nine-man Real Betis Balompié.

Having registered in Valencia's UEFA Europa League semi-final first-leg loss to Club Atlético de Madrid in midweek, Jonas poked Los Che ahead after just six minutes. Last-man José Antonio Dorado Ramirez brought down Sofiane Feghouli to earn a 57th-minute red card, and the Frenchman doubled Valencia's lead six minutes later. Roberto Soldado and Pablo Piatti completed the triumph with a goal each in a frantic last four minutes that also brought a red card for Betis's Jorge Molina.

Valencia's Spanish rivals in the UEFA Europa League last four, Athletic Club and Atlético, also picked up victories. A lone Gaizka Toquero strike was enough for the Lions to edge out Real Racing Club, while an Arda Turan double helped the Rojiblancos to a 3-1 win against RCD Espanyol.

Elsewhere, Granada CF eased their relegation worries with a narrow 1-0 win against Getafe CF, while the match between Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Villarreal CF ended 1-1, leaving the Yellow Submarine 17th, six points clear of the drop zone.