Barça move into contention

Javier Saviola and Ronaldinho both scored as FC Barcelona defeated sixth-placed CA Osasuna 2-1 at El Sadar to climb into the Primera División's last UEFA Champions League spot.

Ronaldinho winner
The Argentinian struck the opener shortly before the break, latching on to a pass from the right boot of Xavi Hernández and steering the ball past goalkeeper Ricardo Sanzol. Francisco Puñal equalised from the spot in the 66th minute after Valdo was brought down by Víctor Valdés but Ronaldinho, on his return from suspension, showed deft touch to escape his markers and hook in a spectacular winner with 14 minutes left on the clock. Barça now lie in fourth position on 37 points.

Stunning free-kick
Ronaldo collected his 19th league goal of the season as Real Madrid CF defeated Málaga CF 2-1 on Saturday to reach 52 points, two ahead of Valencia CF at the top of the standings. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 21st minute, tucking away a cross from right-back Michel Salgado and a breathtaking free-kick from his compatriot, Roberto Carlos, doubled the lead on the half hour. Málaga pulled one back in the 64th minute through José Luque.

Mista double
Second-placed Valencia, Madrid's closest rivals in the hunt for the title, swept aside Club Atlético de Madrid 3-0 at the Mestalla. Mista was twice on target, heading his first after 31 minutes and rounding off proceedings in the 71st, soon after winger Vicente Rodríguez's clever chip into the top right-hand corner had doubled the advantage. The visitors finished with ten men after Sergi Barjuan had been sent off.

Depor win
RC Deportivo La Coruña kept in touch with the leaders, seeing off Albacete Balompié 2-0 despite the dismissal of Héctor Berenguel in the second period. Lionel Scaloni broke the deadlock in the 58th minute and Albert Luque settled the match as a contest soon after. Real Sociedad de Fútbol's recent resurgence, in which they had won five consecutive matches, came to an end following a 2-1 defeat by Real Zaragoza.

Celta victory
Goals from Ismael Ursaiz and Francisco Yeste were enough for Athletic Club Bilbao to halt any further progress of bottom club Real Murcia CF after last weekend's win against Zaragoza, while RC Celta de Vigo achieved only their second victory of the season at the Balaídos stadium, defeating Villarreal CF 2-1.

Sevilla stroll
In other games, Sevilla FC overpowered RCD Mallorca 3-0, RCD Espanyol were comfortable 2-0 winners against Real Valladolid CF and Real Betis Balompié's Benjamín scored at both ends as his team prevailed 2-1 away from home against Real Racing Club Santander.