Spain round-up: Real join Deportivo at top

Real Sociedad moved level on points with Primera División leaders RC Deportivo La Coruña following a 3-1 win at RCD Mallorca on Sunday.

Early lead
Real Madrid CF's draw with RC Recreativo de Huelva allowed Deportivo to go top yesterday, and Real also moved a point ahead of the capital side, only trailing the table-toppers on head-to-head record. Mallorca have beaten Deportivo and Madrid in recent weeks, but Real never looked back after Francisco De Pedro gave them a ninth-minute lead, added to before the half-hour mark by Valery Karpin. Darko Kovacevic scored the third on 54 minutes, ensuring Samuel Eto'o's goal just after the hour was only a consolation for UEFA Cup-chasing Mallorca.

Celta edge ahead
RC Celta de Vigo moved a point in front of Valencia CF in the race to join the top three in the Champions League, but they were denied victory in a 2-2 draw with Real Racing Club Santander. Juanfran put Celta in front eight minutes before half-time, but not long into the second period the game changed. On 53 minutes, Celta goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero was dismissed for dissent after conceding a penalty, converted by Javi Guerrero. Racing's David Coromina was then sent off for his second bookable offence, and with eight minutes to go, Edu's penalty restored Celta's lead. However, Racing, whose coach José Gómez Cos was banned for a year this week, for failing to serve a previous suspension, claimed a point in added time through Diego Alonso.

Defeat for Valencia
Valencia could not take advantage, though, as they lost 2-1 at home to Villarreal CF. Jorge López and Francisco Farinós scored in a five-minute spell late in the first half to take the visitors towards a victory that moved them six points clear of the bottom three and ensure Juan Sánchez's penalty ten minutes from time was only a consolation.

Betis miss chance
Real Betis Balompié missed the chance to end the weekend in sixth place, the last UEFA Cup berth, as they were held 1-1 by bottom side Rayo Vallecano. Home side Rayo were given hope of victory when Bolo gave them a fifth-minute lead. However, Fernando levelled just before half-time to leave Betis in seventh and Rayo six points behind the three sides immediately above them, Deportivo Alavés, Club Atlético Osasuna and Recreativo.

Barcelona held
FC Barcelona then also were denied as they drew 0-0 at Sevilla FC in the late game. Barcelona are up to seventh - which would still be their lowest finish for 60 years - a point behind Athletic Club Bilbao. Sevilla are eleventh, but are now within two points of Athletic in what is proving a tight race to qualify for the UEFA Cup.