Relegation battle heats up in Spanish La Liga

On the eve of Real Madrid taking on Atletico Madrid and Barcelona playing at home to Almeria Sunday, the focus shifted to the battle to avoid relegation in Spanish La Liga.

Fourth from bottom Malaga wasted a good chance to climb away from trouble as they could only draw 1-1 at home to third bottom Valladolid, reported Xinhua.

Roque Santa Cruz scored a powerful header from a corner after 13 minutes to put Malaga on track, but Valladolid levelled on the half hour when Sebastian Larsson finished off a flowing move to establish the final score in a game Valladolid almost won in the final move of the game when Javi Guerra saw his shot saved by Willy Caballero.

Levante are looking towards Europe, rather than looking to avoid the drop after defeating Osasuna 2-0.

Papa Diop and Ruben Garcia scored the first half goals to give the Valencia based side the points and Levante held on with few problems after Victor Casadesus was sent off for a wild challenge in midfield.

Getafe set a new record of 11 games without a win as they drew 0-0 at home to Espanyol in what can best be described as a dreadful match. The result leaves Getafe with a lot of work still to do and coach Luis Garcia in danger of the sack.

Finally Carles Gil's late goal gave Elche three vital points in their battle against relegation as they defeated Celta Vigo 1-0.

Friday saw Athletic Bilbao strengthen their challenge for a place in next season's Champions League as an Aritz Aduiz hat-trick put them on the way to a 4-0 win at home to Granada. Carlos Gurpegui added Athletic's fourth of the night.