Valencia vault to top with easy win

Ruben Baraja added a second from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Mista was brought down as he raced free into the area. Valencia eased up after the break, but midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo wrapped up the easy win with a fine curling free kick four minutes before time.

Previous leaders Celta Vigo lost their 100 per cent record and moved down to second place after an exciting 2-2 draw with unbeaten Malaga at the Balaidos stadium on Sunday.

Free-scoring Real Sociedad continued their impressive start to the season and moved up to third after Russian midfielder Dimitri Khokhlov headed in a late winner to give his side a 3-2 win away to Osasuna.

Valencia, Celta and Sociedad all have 10 points from four games, but last season’s champions lead the table by virtue of their superior goal difference. Deportivo Coruna, who won 2-1 at Alaves on Saturday, lie in fourth place on nine points and Malaga are fifth a further point behind.

Real Madrid and Real Betis, who both also played on Saturday, have seven points but a game in hand on their immediate rivals. The reigning European champions were held 1-1 at Valladolid, while Betis claimed a sparkling 3-0 win over Barcelona in a match played at Huelva because of the Andalucian club’s two-match stadium closure. (Reuters)