Monday Mar 24 2008 12:28
Real Madrid's lead at the top of the Primera Liga table was cut to four points after they slipped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Valencia in the Bernabeu.
Raul and David Villa both scored twice in the game, before Javier Arizmendi grabbed a winner in the final minute of normal time.
"We need to fight," Raul told the club's official website after the setback. "There are nine games remaining and every week from now on is going to be a final.
"The moment of truth has arrived and now if you lose it is normal that other teams get closer to you, because not all three teams are going to lose at the same time.
"We are eager to continue working and right now we will try to maintain the advantage that we have."
Barcelona took full advantage of Real's slip as they thrashed Valladolid 4-1 in the Camp Nou, with Bojan Krkic netting twice for the Catalans.
Villarreal are two points behind Barca after their 2-1 victory at rock-bottom Levante, with Guillermo Franca netting the winner six minutes from time.
Racing Santander saw off lowly Recreativo Huelva 2-0 thanks to two goals in the final eight minutes of the game, while Espanyol suffered a surprise 4-0 thrashing at relegation-threatened Murcia.
Joseba Exteberria's goal gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 home win over Getafe, while Real Betis moved above Osasuna thanks to a 1-0 success in Pamplona - Mark Gonzalez netting the only goal of the game.
Real Zaragoza remain in relegation danger after a 1-1 draw at home to mid-table Almeria.
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