Levante down Málaga to maintain Liga charge

High-flying Levante UD are back up to second in the Liga following a 3-0 defeat of ten-man Málaga CF, Hélder Postiga having earlier scored twice as Real Zaragoza saw off Real Sociedad de Fútbol 2-0.

The only unbeaten team in Spain's top flight aside from leaders FC Barcelona, whom they trail on goal difference alone, Levante posted their fifth consecutive win to climb back above Real Madrid CF. José Barkero (14) got the ball rolling with a deflected effort and the hosts' cause was further strengthened when Málaga goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero saw red for handball outside the area on 27 minutes. Juanlu Gómez added Levante's second moments later and Arouna Koné rounded off a fine win close to half-time.

Zaragoza climbed to ninth following Postiga's double against Real Sociedad, and there was a victory for tenth-placed RCD Espanyol as they triumphed 1-0 at Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, Ndri Romaric (56) hitting the only goal. Lastly, Sevilla FC defeated bottom club Real Sporting de Gijón 2-1 in the late game.