Madrid march on as Valencia stutter

Real Madrid CF reopened a seven-point lead at the top of the Primera División after a 2-0 victory against Real Zaragoza at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night.

Spurned chances
FC Barcelona's defeat of RCD Mallorca on Saturday had reduced Madrid's lead to four points and Zaragoza had plenty of chances to take the lead against the champions but found home goalkeeper Iker Casillas in inspired form. Madrid then struck with their first clear-cut chance on 66 minutes when Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in after a surging run and pinpoint cross from Robinho. The Brazilian added a second (77) after another trademark dribble and shot.

Derby clash
Sevilla FC took the honours in the Seville derby, running out comfortable 3-0 winners against Real Betis Balompié. The UEFA Champions League hopefuls never looked back after two first-half Luis Fabiano headers, and Daniel Alves completed the scoring with a deflected free-kick in the 63rd minute. Earlier, Club Atlético de Madrid won 3-0 at RC Deportivo La Coruña to move into fourth place in the table after goals from Diego Forlán, Sergio Agüero and José Jurado. Real Valladolid CF also won by the same margin at Getafe CF to join their hosts on 21 points from 18 games.

Valencia woe
Meanwhile, Valencia CF became the first club to fail to beat Levante UD at home after the league's bottom side held Ronald Koeman's team to a scoreless draw at Mestalla. Real Racing Club Santander continued their impressive season with a 1-0 triumph against Athletic Club Bilbao courtesy of a Mohammed Tchite strike just before half-time while RC Recreativo de Huelva and UD Almería shared the points in a 1-1 draw.