La Liga : Villareal go second behind Barca

Recreativo Huelva 1 - 2 Villarreal

Injury-hit Villarreal underlined their Spanish league title credentials with a 2-1 victory over rock-bottom Recreativo Huelva on Sunday to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to four points. Despite missing seven players, including influential midfielder Marcos Senna, Villarreal had enough to overcome a Recreativo side who have won just once all season.

Villarreal were fortunate to go ahead when Santi Cazorla's shot from outside the area went in off a defender after 26 minutes. Ariel Ibagaza doubled the lead with a well-struck free-kick before Recreativo pulled a goal back through a penalty from Adrian Colunga after Pascal Cygan brought down Marco Ruben.

Valencia 3 - 2 Real Betis

A Ruben Baraja header gave ten-man Valencia a 3-2 victory in a pulsating encounter with Real Betis at the Mestalla to keep them in the championship hunt. Valencia had lost their last two home games but went into a commanding lead after first-half goals from David Villa and Juan Mata. Brazilian midfielder Edu was the key, helping to set up both goals as Betis struggled to muster an attack of their own. But after he exited before half-time holding his thigh Betis seized the initiative and reduced the deficit with Juanma Gonzalez scoring after 56 minutes with the Valencia keeper Renan Brito beaten at his near post.

Betis then levelled just after the hour mark when Sergio Garcia was brought down in the area by Carlos Marchena, who was dismissed. Achille Emana converted the spot-kick. Betis pushed forward looking for the victory but against the run of play Baraja headed a free-kick powerfully past the stranded Betis goalkeeper. fifa

Full results;

Getafe 3 - 1 Real Madrid
Sevilla 0 - 3 Barcelona
.......
Almeria 0 - 1 Deportivo La Coruna
Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Numancia
Espanyol 0 - 1 Sporting Gijon
Malaga 4 - 2 Osasuna
Recreativo Huelva 1 - 2 Villarreal
Valladolid 3 - 0 Mallorca
Valencia 3 - 2 Real Betis
Atletico Madrid 4 - 1 Racing Santander