Valencia hold on but Mallorca miss out

Valencia CF ensured they would finish 2009 in the Liga top four as they secured a goalless draw at challengers RC Deportivo La Coruña, and RCD Mallorca succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at Málaga CF.

Depor openings
Chances were few and far between at the Riazor with the visitors particularly struggling to create obvious opportunities. Depor came closest to breaking the deadlock in each half, Juan Rodríguez's header striking the bar during a concerted spell of pressure in the first half before Juan Carlos Valerón volleyed a great chance wide after being released by an exquisite chip from Adrián López. The draw leaves Valencia two points clear of both Mallorca and Depor.

Away issues
Mallorca could have drawn level with third-placed Sevilla FC on 30 points but their problems away from home cost them dearly once again. Having broken their Liga travelling duck at CA Osasuna last weekend, the islanders returned to their frustrating ways by slumping at Málaga. Fernando Forestieri decided the outcome on 77 minutes, giving the hosts only their second victory of the campaign and lifting them within a point of safety.

Home comfort
Two other struggling sides drew comfort at home too as Real Valladolid CF and RCD Espanyol picked up vital wins. Haris Medunjanin struck in the final minute to earn Valladolid a 2-1 victory against Real Sporting de Gijón, after the visitors had struck first, while a 2-0 success for Espanyol left UD Almería just a point and place above the bottom three. Villarreal CF continued their upturn in form as they won a third consecutive league match, 2-0 against Real Racing Club, to move to a season-high ninth spot, with CD Tenerife and Club Atlético de Madrid drawing 1-1.