Valencia usurped from top spot

Pellegrino blunder
Rafael Benítez's side needed to win to reclaim top spot following Madrid's 2-1 victory over Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday but came unstuck after centre-back Mauricio Pellegrino directed the ball into his own net to gift the Basque side the lead at the end of the first half.

Good chances
Mista and Xisco both spurned good chances after the break but Valencia, who had defender Amedeo Carboni sent off four minutes from time, were unable to find an equaliser. Osasuna, who are enjoying a tremendous season, lie in fifth place behind Club Atlético de Madrid.

Deportivo undone
Third-placed RC Deportivo La Coruña were unable to capitalise on Valencia's slip-up as they went down 1-0 to Athletic Club Bilbao. Striker Francisco Yeste's shot from outside the area was too powerful for goalkeeper José Molina in the 50th minute.

Celta demolished
Real Sociedad de Fútbol continued their recent resurgence with a 5-2 demolition of RC Celta de Vigo at the Balaídos stadium. Darko Kovacevic and Xabi Alonso had paved the way for victory either side of a Savo Milosevic own goal and Turkish international striker Nihat Kahveci slammed in twice late on. Strikes from Gustavo López and Peter Luccin will have done little to cheer up the struggling Galician team.

Guerrero hat-trick
Javi Guerrero tucked away a hat-trick as Real Racing Club Santander defeated Real Murcia CF 3-2. The forward found the net twice in the first half and rounded off a fine display with his third in the 90th minute. Juan Esnaider and David Karanka were on target for the bottom club.

Kluivert decisive
A 31st-minute effort from Patrick Kluivert was enough for FC Barcelona to move seventh after collecting a 1-0 away win against Sevilla FC. The Dutch striker converted Luis García's cross for the vital goal.

Away wins
In other games, Real Betis Balompié saw off second-bottom RCD Espanyol 2-1, Oscar González inspired Real Valladolid CF to a 3-2 win on their travels against Málaga CF and RCD Mallorca also produced an impressive away performance, beating Real Zaragoza 3-1.