La Liga wrap: Soldado the hero for Valencia

Roberto Soldado led Valencia to a 2-0 win over Malaga in La Liga on Sunday, while fourth-placed Levante lost.

Soldado, 26, struck a brace at the Estadio Mestalla, taking his tally to 11 league goals as Valencia moved within seven points of league leaders Real Madrid.

The striker netted the opener on 36 minutes when he got on the end of an Ever Banega pass before rounding goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero and placing into an empty net.

Soldado doubled Valencia’s lead on the hour-mark, meeting Jordi Alba’s cross to smash home a volley from eight yards and seal the points.

Meanwhile, fourth-placed Levante suffered their second loss in three league outings after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at Granada.

Guilherme Siqueira’s penalty and Abel Gomez Moreno’s goal on the stroke of half-time sent Fabriciano Gonzalez’s men, who moved into 13th, on the way to a surprise win.

Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone headed in a consolation goal from close range in the 60th minute as Levante continue to slip after a stunning start to the campaign.

Elsewhere, the pressure continues to grow on Atletico Madrid boss Gregorio Manzano after his team suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Real Betis.

Alejandro Pozuelo opened the scoring for the visitors before being sent off in the 73rd minute, but Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz ensured they hung on to the three points when he netted in additional time.

Villarreal, the 2007/08 league runners-up, continue to sit just above the relegation zone after a 2-1 loss at Osasuna.

Osasuna extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches after forward Ibrahima Balde cancelled out Marco Ruben’s opener and defender Sergio headed in an 83rd-minute winner.

Lowly Racing Santander missed their chance to move out of the relegation zone after squandering several chances in a 0-0 draw at home to Real Sociedad.

Defender Inigo Martinez was sent off for the visitors nine minutes after the restart, but Racing Santander were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.