Spain round-up: Deportivo rocked by Valencia

Brazilian defender Fábio Aurélio scored twice as Valencia CF defeated RC Deportivo La Coruña 2-1 to inflict a huge blow on the Galician side's hopes of winning the Primera División title.

Tight at the top
Second-placed Real Sociedad and Real Madrid CF, in third, can overtake Deportivo in the standings when they face RC Recreativo de Huelva and Málaga CF respectively at home on Sunday.

Well-struck opener
Fábio Aurélio opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area that left goalkeeper Juanmi with no chance.

Juanmi save
Juanmi, however, produced a superb save just past the half hour mark to prevent the home team from doubling the lead after Pablo Aimar met Vicente Rodríguez's cross from the right with a spectacular volley.

Donato on target again
Deportivo drew level at the start of the second half when Donato, who also scored last weekend against Málaga, headed the 50th Primera División goal of his career but Fábio Aurelio then slotted past Juanmi for what proved to be the decisive goal in the 63rd minute after a precise pass from Aimar.

Moreno double
Javi Moreno also collected two goals as Club Atlético Madrid defeated Real Racing Club Santander 2-0 to virtually assure their survival in the top flight.

Welcome boost
The victory was a welcome boost for coach Luis Aragonés' side, who had failed to win in the league since March. Despite their dominance, Atlético could not open the scoring until the 63rd minute, before Moreno exchanged passes with Jorge Larena after a fine counterattacking move and slotted past goalkeeper Erwin Lemmens.

Fierce shot
Barely ten minutes later, Moreno was on target again after Atlético captain Carlos Aguilera was brought down in the box and Lemmens could not prevent the former AC Milan forward's fiercely-struck long-range shot from slipping through his hands and nestling in the net.

Sunday games
In Sunday's games, FC Barcelona aim to improve their chances of a place in European competition next season when they face RCD Mallorca at home, Deportivo Alavés meet Athletic Club Bilbao while Sevilla FC face Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid take on Espanyol. Villarreal CF play RC Celta de Vigo and Club Atlético Osasuna take on Real Betis Balompié.