Villarreal continued their rise up La Liga table with a well deserved win against a dissapointing Real Valladolid. Brazilian striker Nilmar finally displayed the outstanding quality he has shown with the Brazilian national side with two excellently taken goals. The first was a well placed header from a pinpoint Escudero cross in the 6th minute. His second came just after half-time, as he raced onto a Godín long ball to plant a header over the onrushing keeper, Villar, and into an empty net. He also played a part in the third when he set up Rossi's 56th minute bullet with a deft headed flick which completely isolated a lamentable Valladolid defence. The away side did get on the scoresheet when Diego Costa capitalised on a dreadful backpass from Marcano to steal in, take it past Diego Lopez and cooly sidefoot in from an angle. Valladolid see their fine league run put to an abrupt end as Villarreal are finally beginning to look like a team capable of challenging for the European positions.Mallorca 3 - 1 Almería (ONO Estadi)
Two lates goals saw Mallorca continue their storming home form and charge up to sixth place in La Liga. This from a team that was widely predicted to be within the relegation candidates at the start of the season. Mallorca went ahead in the 48th minute when Gonzalo Castro planted an excellent driven effort inside Alves' nearpost. But Almería were in fiery mood and could have drawn level on numerous occasions but they found the home stopper, Aouate in determined mood with some super saves. They did finally level in the 76th minute when a solo run from Piatti finished with him squaring across for David Rodriguez to slot in from close range. It seemed Hugo Sanchez's men were set to earn a deserved point when two goals in the last two minutes shot them down and left the coach to regret his team's previous profligacy. Victor chested down in the area to smash in on 88 minutes with Castro firing in his second in stoppage time; Manzano's red army march on.
Xerez 0 - 0 Sporting Gijón (Chapin)
- Xerez and Sporting both hit the post twice in a thoroughly entertaining encounter in a charged Chapin atmosphere. I was lucky enough to be there and this was not your typical 0-0 bore draw!
- Sidi Keita was outstanding in Xerez's midfield and was unlucky not to score with an outrageous overhead kick which Juan Pablo clawed out. The Sporting keeper kept his side in it with several top drawer saves.
- If Xerez can't score with the opportunities they had today it is going to be a long hard season ahead. Luck wasn't on their side yet again but they need to start converting their numerous chances into precious goals.
Espanyol 0 - 2 Getafe (Cornella Estadi)
- Not even the return of local hero Raúl Tamudo was enough to reignite Espanyol´s goalthreat. If this continues they could begin to see themselves pulled into a relegation tussle.
- Casquero marked his return to the side with the goal in the 78th min which effectively won Getafe the match. Pedro Rios scored the second a minute into injury time with a superb diving header.
- Entertaining match that was in stark contrast to the boring Copa del Rey ties. Espanyol unable to exact revenge for their cup exit.
Malaga 1 - 1 Zaragoza (La Rosaleda)
- Two sendings off (Weligton for a punch, Paredes for two yellows) in a physical match that exploded into life after a dull first half. Both teams were after maximum points but had to settle for a point each.
- Lafita 'dive' earned Zaragoza a penalty (49 mins) which Brazilian Ewerthon converted (just). Málaga levelled with a headed goal from impressive debutant centre back Iván González.
- Neither manager will be happy with a game marred with some regrettable behaviour from some players. Apoño spat in Herrera's face, which was not seen by the ref.
Osasuna 1 - 3 Valencia (Reyno Navarra)
- Two sendings off for Osasuna (Padiani and Flaño) epitomised what was a miserable night for the home side. They never looked like getting anything from the match.
- Unai Emery's Valencia side go from strength to strength. Goals from Villa and veterans Albelda (stunning effort) and Marchena (Tony Yeboah style!) had put the game to bed by the 56th min. Consolation goal for Osasuna through a Masoud header after 67 mins.
- Have Valencia got the strength in depth to mount a serious title assault? It's beginning to look like it could turn into a four-horse race.
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