valencia-soccer news

Sevilla beat Valencia 1-0 to challenge top four

Jordi Lopez put Sevilla in the hunt for a Champions League place next season by scoring a late goal to sink Valencia  1-0 in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

The midfielder had scooped a penalty against the bar in the 76th minute after Roberto Ayala had brought down Argentine compatriot Javier Saviola in the area.

Ayala was sent off to leave visitors Valencia down to 10 men and in time added on at the end Daniel Alves crossed for Jordi to bury a header in the top corner.

Fifth-placed Sevilla climbed to within two points of Valencia, who are fourth with 53 and occupy the last Champions League qualification spot in Spain.

Valencia's faltering title challenge leaves runaway leaders Barcelona 13 points clear at the top with 68 points despite their 0-0 draw with bottom side Malaga on Saturday.

Second-placed Osasuna have 55 points after losing 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao also on Saturday. Real Madrid are a point behind in third and can cut Barca's lead to 11 points with a win at home to Deportivo Coruna later on Sunday.

First-half goals from Pablo Contreras and Fernando Baiano gave Celta Vigo a 2-0 win over Real Mallorcato put the Galicians sixth on 48 points.

Malaga prop up the table with 23 points after Saturday's draw at home to Barca and are three points below Cadiz who are at home to Atletico Madrid later on Sunday.

Real Sociedad are third from bottom with 28 points after losing 2-1 at Getafe.