Last-place Zaragoza’s attempt to avoid relegation has received a much-needed boost with a 2-0 win at Espanyol that is its first victory since October.
Paulo da Silva headed home Luis Garcia’s corner kick at the far post to put the visitors ahead after 55 minutes at Cornella-El Prat stadium, and Juan Carlos Perez secured Zaragoza’s first victory in 15 games by scoring in stoppage time on Sunday.
Zaragoza, whose last league win came against Real Sociedad on October 16, remain eight points from safety after their third win of the season.
Espanyol saw a seven-game unbeaten run end, and failed to take advantage of Athletic Bilbao’s 3-2 loss to Real Betis on Saturday in the duel for one of the league’s Champions League qualifying spots.
“These things happen,” Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino said.
Also on Sunday, Malaga moved within one point of Espanyol after rallying for a 3-1 victory over Mallorca, while Rayo Vallecano beat Getafe 2-0 in a Madrid derby.
Leader Real Madrid can stretch their lead over Barcelona to 10 points later on Sunday with a victory against Levante. Three-time defending champion Barcelona lost 3-2 at Osasuna on Saturday.
Levante haven’t won a match in 2012 but are still fourth and in the final Champions League place, tied with Espanyol on 32 points but ahead on goal difference.
Malaga, Osasuna and Atletico Madrid, which drew 0-0 at Racing Santander on Saturday, have 31 points and Bilbao have 30.
Michael Pereira surprised Malaga after just four minutes by beating goalkeeper Willy Caballero with a long free kick, but Sebastian Fernandez latched on to the rebound from Jose Rondon’s saved shot in the 11th to equalise.
France international Jeremy Toulalan put Malaga ahead in the 55th following a corner, and Rondon added an insurance goal in the 69th after taking a pass from Sergio Sanchez inside the area.
Miguel “Michu” Perez put Rayo ahead with his 11th league goal of the season in the 34th, with Diego Costa heading home the second in the 64th.
On Monday, Sevilla play at Sociedad.