Deportivo Coruna’s title hopes suffered a serious setback on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at home to Valencia.Valencia took an early lead through Fabio Aurelio. Deportivo came back with a Donato header just after the break but Aurelio grabbed the winner with a run and shot in the 62nd minute.Deportivo continue to lead the standings with 66 points from 34 games but Real Sociedad, also on 66 points, and Real Madrid, third on 65, will both have the chance to overtake them on Sunday.Real Sociedad are at home to Recreativo Huelva, while Real Madrid host Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.Both Real Sociedad and Real Madrid have five games left to play, while Deportivo have four. Valencia’s victory takes them above Celta Vigo and into the fourth and final Champions League qualification place. Deportivo, who won the title for the first time in their history in 2000, were rocked by Valencia’s opening goal after 13 minutes.Vicente, receiving the ball on the edge of the box, produced a fierce shot that was punched away by keeper Juanmi. The Depor defence had time to clear but Aurelio was first to react and head home for the opener.Deportivo were second best throughout the first half but they came back just four minutes after the break with Donato’s controversial equaliser.The Brazilian-born midfielder’s header was palmed out by Santiago Canizares on the line but the referee ruled that the ball had crossed the line.Valencia looked rattled and Roy Makaay might have put the home side ahead as the ball broke to him in the area a couple of minutes later.Depor continued to press but Valencia hit them on the break just past the hour mark as Aurelio burst past the home defence and planted a shot past Juanmi. (Reuters)
