Sevilla 3 - 2 Villarreal (SEV: Fabiano: 9, 61, Kanoute 66) (VIL: Pires 29, Fuster 59)
Sevilla had to work for the three points that keeps them in touch with the 'Big-Two', but in the end their greater potency infront of goal proved vital. Sevilla lacked their usual fluency in possession, with man of the moment Jesus Navas enduring an off-night. Villarreal with a whole host of key players keeping the club doctor company, showed great heart in fighting back from a goal down to lead with 30 minutes remaining. But Sevilla's deadly duo of Luis Fabiano and Kanoute, the Mali hitman back from a long injury lay-off, snatched the lead back for the Andalucian side in the space of five second-half minutes. Sevilla continue to prove they are the best of the rest, and a viable contender for the league.
Valencia 3 - 1 Zaragoza (VAL: Mata 17, Villa 39, Hernandez 41) (ZAR: Aguilar 65)
Valencia maintained their Champions League aspirations (But do they have a good enough defence to stay there? Will they keep their stars beyond Xmas?), whilst Zaragoza added another defeat to their dismal record away from La Romereda. Zaragoza's defending at times was laughable (holding the line on the halfway line anyone?) with Villa, Pablo Hernandez et al given the freedom of the Mestalla to put the game to bed before half-time. Those two along with Mata and Silva are unstoppable when on-song.
Valladolid 0 - 0 Xerez
- Draw no good for either team in their fight against the drop. Xerez have to be the happier team.
- Xerez held on for dear life as Valladolid battered Renans goal towards the end. The Brazilian performed heroics.
- Xerez centre-back Prieto sent off for a foul he didnt commit. Sort it out ref.
- Early goal proved vital in shaping the match. Sporting sat back and soaked up everything Espanyol threw at them.
- Tamudo is vital to Espanyol. Will the club directors swallow their pride and take him back?
- Sporting march on. Fantastic start to the season for the unfancied team from Gijón.
- Santander lacked fight and spirit, and looked beaten from the first minute. The crowd didnt hide their discontent at the end.
- Bilbao took their chances when they came. As simple as that.
- 1 point from 15 at home for Racing. Mandiá will be lucky to survive the week.
- Goals at either end of the match saw Almería take pressure off coach Hugo Sanchez.
- Osasuna never looked like scoring. If veteran Pandiani isnt netting the goals, Camacho's team will struggle.
- Nigerian striker Kala Uche showed his worth to Almería forcing the own goal and scoring the second with a clinical finish.
Sevilla v Villarreal Highlights (Courtesy of Sevilla TV):