Espanyol moved up to fifth in La Liga on Saturday as they stretched their unbeaten run to five games with a 3-0 victory over struggling Granada.
The Catalan side maintained their good form since Christmas with draws against Barcelona and Sevilla before this result over a sorry Granada which condemned them to their third successive defeat.
Espanyol dominated possession in the early stages and after a succession of corners they finally got their reward with Jose Baena heading home a set piece at the near post.
Dani Benitez had the chance to draw Granada level but shot straight at the keeper in front of goal and then Espanyol doubled their lead with Joan Verdu slotting home from the penalty spot after Vladimir Weiss was felled by Allan Nyom.
Espanyol eased off in the second half but Granada failed to make the most of their openings while substitute Rui Fonte wrapped up the points for the home side with a close range finish with ten minutes to go.
Getafe came from behind to beat Racing Santander 2-1 with Jaime Gavilan and Nicolas Miku scoring after Christian Stuani had given the home side the lead.
Later Real Betis and Sevilla clash for the first time in three years with both clubs appealing for calm ahead of the derby clash.
Betis sit in mid-table after a satisfactory return to the top flight while Sevilla are a point below the European places.
On Sunday, with the dust still settling on Barcelona's victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the King's Cup in midweek, Pep Guardiola's side take on Malaga looking to claw back the five-point gap at the top of the table.
Leaders Real are also in action against Athletic Bilbao.
Source: AFP
