New man Alcaraz helps Granada take Madrid scalp

Lucas Alcaraz enjoyed a dream start to his second spell in charge at Granada CF, securing a 1-0 win in his first game back against Liga champions Real Madrid CF.

Replacing Juan Antonio Anquela in midweek following Monday's 3-0 loss to Sevilla FC, the coach made an immediate impact, overseeing a victory which hauls the Andalusian side up to 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone. Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has 21 league goals to his name this season, but directed a header into his own net from Nolito's 22nd-minute corner sealing a fifth defeat of the season, and leaving the Merengues 15 points off leaders FC Barcelona, who face Valencia CF tomorrow.

RCD Espanyol struck Levante UD's European qualification hopes a blow with a 3-2 success, as a Vicente Iborra own goal and second-half strikes from Christian Stuani and Sergio García, gave Javier Aguirre's side three points.

Getafe CF sunk ten-man RC Deportivo La Coruña 3-1, leaving the vanquished side bottom, while Emiliano Armenteros struck the only goal of the game as CA Osasuna leapfrogged RC Celta de Vigo into 17th. On Friday evening Athletic Club came from two down to salvage a point at Real Valladolid CF.