Derby win lifts Valencia second

By Andy Hall

Valencia CF stepped up their title challenge with a hard-won 2-1 victory against Mediterranean coast neighbours Levante UD on Saturday night.

Baraja header
Valencia went ahead ten minutes into the second half when Rubén Baraja met a dipping Francisco Rufete cross at the far post and sent a strong header down into the ground, the ball bouncing back up into the roof of the net.

Lead doubled
Mista doubled the lead almost immediately, connecting with a Stefano Fiore free-kick in a similar position to bundle the ball over the line. After Pablo Aimar had seen a cross bounce back off the bar, Levante pulled a goal back on 72 minutes through striker Edwin Congo. The result leaves Valencia second in the Primera División with 35 points.

Makukula returns
Elsewhere, Sevilla FC joined Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol on 32 points after being held 0-0 at home by Getafe CF. The Andalusians found it impossible to break down a stubborn Getafe side but could at least celebrate the return of striker Ariza Makukula after nearly a year out with a knee injury.

Athletic held
Athletic Club Bilbao also drew in an entertaining match at bottom-placed CD Numancia. Athletic went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Asier Del Horno superbly headed in from a Tiko corner. Luis Tevenet drove in a low equaliser just after the hour but despite the point, Numancia remain at the foot of the table while Athletic move up a place to eighth.