Barça and Valencia both victorious

Saturday, 31 March 2007
FC Barcelona opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Primera División in Spain after a 2-1 win at home to RC Deportivo La Coruña, while Valencia CF kept their title hopes alive by defeating RCD Espanyol 3-2.
Rivals watchingWith their nearest challengers, Sevilla FC, not in action until tomorrow when they travel to CA Osasuna, Frank Rijkaard's side took full advantage with their star trio in fine form. Lionel Messi opened the scoring just before the interval with a powerful finish after Ronaldinho's sublime chip had split the Deportivo defence. Six minutes after the restart, the Brazilian's deflected pass found Samuel Eto'o who slid in his eighth league goal of the season although the visitors’ responded with Adrián finishing after bursting through the Barça defence.
Valencia thirdIn Valencia, David Villa's early goal for the hosts was quickly cancelled out by Albert Riera. Vicente Rodríguez (25) restored the lead and Miguel Ángel Angulo (58) looked to have made the game safe only for Luis García (62) to set up a tense finish. The win lifted Valencia up to third, although Real Madrid CF can reclaim the spot with victory at RC Celta de Vigo tomorrow.
Persistent BetisReal Betis Balompié moved six points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-3 draw against Villarreal CF. Diego Forlán's first-minute strike gave the visitors the lead, but Fernando levelled eight minutes later. Forlán was just as quick off the mark after the break but Edú (71) again pulled Betis level. Robert Pirès thought his goal on 77 minutes would finally secure the points only for Juanito (90) to rescue Betis again.
Real hopeElsewhere, Real Sociedad de Fútbol's hopes of a miraculous escape from relegation were boosted when they made it seven points from nine with a 1-0 win against Levante UD. Defender Jon Ansotegi (37) scored the only goal to move them off the bottom of the table, although they are still six points from safety.
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