Valencia secure easy win away to Osasuna

Valencia scored an easy win away to Osasuna to keep the pressure on leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla in the Spanish first division soccer league.

Spain international forward David Villa opened the scoring after 12 minutes. David Albelda added the second eight minutes later and Carlos Marchena made it 3-0 nine minutes into the second half.

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Walter Pandiani was given a red card, but a Masoud header helped the team pull one goal back.

Earlier, Real Mallorca maintained their 100 percent record at the Ono Estadi with a 3-1 victory over Almeria, but it needed two late strikes from Victor and Gonzalo Castro, who bagged his second of the game, to secure all three points.

Mallorca are sixth with 20 points.

Brazil striker Nilmar scored twice to lead Villarreal to a 3-1 home win over Real Valladolid that moved them up to 11th with 12 points.

Real Madrid replaced Barcelona at the top of the league on Saturday after Gonzalo Higuain scored in a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander, moving them on to 28 points.

Champions Barca were held 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao and have 27 points, two ahead of third-placed Sevilla, who beat promoted Tenerife 2-1 away.

Source: Xinhua