Villarreal have taken over second place in La Liga after a 1-2 win over bottom club Recreativo. Cazorla, playing against his old club, opened the scoring and then Ibagaza made it 0-2 just before the break. Recreativo pulled one back late in the game, courtesy of a penalty, with Adrián Colunga slotting the ball home, but too late to make any difference.
Valencia are third, one point behind Villarreal and five behind leaders Barcelona. Valencia played host to Betis and evebtually came out on top, 3-2 the scoreline.
The home side went ahead through David Villa and then Mata made it 2-0 within the first twenty minutes. Not to be outdone, Betis fought back to level the scores. Juanma got the first and then, a few minutes later, Emána scored from the penalty spot after Marchena was sent off for a foul on Diego Garcia. But it was not to be as Baraja headed home late in the game to give victory to the home side.
The Blue and Whites had a good day at La Rosaleda, ending up 4-2 winners against Osasuna. Apoño from the penalty spot and Baha with a header started things off for Málaga, but the visitors came back with goals from Nekounam and Miguel Flaño.
Substitute Albert Luque restored Málaga’s lead and then Eliseu made certain of the three points with a goal in injury time.
In Division Two, Xerez remain on top after beating Elche 3-1. Salamanca stay second, level on points with Xerez, after beating Córdoba 1-0. The only goal of the match came very late on, scored by Miku.
Zaragoza occupy third spot after a last gasp victory over Tenerife. Arizmendi and Ewerthon (penalty) were the scorers for Zaragoza, Nino getting one for Tenerife.
In the Primera Andaluza Grupo 3, C.D. Nerja move up to fifth after a 1-0 victory over Baeza C.F. Leaders Mancha Real were comfortable 5-0 winners against Mijas and remain two points ahead of El Palo who were easy 7-2 winners against Real Jaén B.