Valencia closed the gap on Barcelona to seven points with a 2-1 win over Levante.
Valencia closed the gap on Barcelona at the top of La Liga to seven points with a 2-1 win over local rivals Levante at La Mestalla.Second half goals from Ruben Baraja and Mista were enough to give Claudio Ranieri's men all three points, with Edwin Congo's goal proving a mere consolation.
The reigning champions were forced to wait until the second half before they made the breakthrough.
Ten minutes into the second period Rufete crossed for Baraja to head down into the ground and into the net.
The home side doubled their lead four minutes later with a controversial goal from Mista.
Mista bundled the ball goalwards at the far post which Juan Mora appeared to gather on the line, but the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line before the keeper grabbed the ball.
The decision infuriated Levante players, but the goal stood much to their disappointment.
The home side went close to adding to their lead with Pablo Aimar seeing a shot bounce off the crossbar.
Levante gave themselves some hope when Congo bundled the ball in at the far post, but Valencia held on to seal all three points.
Numancia picked up a valuable point in their fight for survival with a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half time with Asier Del Horno heading into the net.
Numancia fought back in the second half and drew level on 64 minutes through Luis Tevenet with a shot from fully 30 yards.
Sevilla missed the chance to climb up to third and after being held to a disappointing goalless draw at home to Getafe.
Click on fixture for full match summary:
Numancia 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla 0-0 Getafe
Valencia 2-1 Levante
