Valencia ease past Getafe

Published: 29 Oct 2011 - 19:17:18

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Fourth-placed Valencia beat Getafe 3-1 on Saturday and took the opportunity to make up ground on their local rivals, surprise leaders Levante, and Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Two goals from Frenchman Sofiane Feghouli and one for Aritz Aduriz were enough for 'Los Che' who face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in a Champions League game they must win if they hope to progress.

Diego Castro did snatch a first-half equaliser for Getafe but Valencia deserved their victory.

Later on Saturday, Barcelona entertain Mallorca while Madrid go to Real Sociedad knowing a win will temporarily put them top ahead of Levante's match at Osasuna on Sunday.

Valencia started strong and took a 12th minute lead when Feghouli hit a well struck shot from the edge of the area after the Getafe defence failed to clear a dangerous cross from the right from Ever Banega.

However, Getafe levelled 12 minutes later with a wonderful back flick from Castro after Dani Guiza cushioned a header into his path.

But Feghouli was on hand to strike again a minute later to restore Valencia's lead, taking advantage of more confusion in the centre of the Madrid team's defence to finish well from close range.

Aduriz added his first goal of the season on 75 minutes to give the home team a comfortable end to the match and time to think about Tuesday.

In the other early game on Saturday Villarreal warmed up for their Champions League tie at home to Manchester City on Wednesday by defeating Rayo Vallecano 2-0 with goals from Bruno Soriano and Borja Valero.

The much-needed win was their first victory in six games.

A free header from Soriano on 20 minutes from a Valero cross eased the pressure on coach Juan Carlos Garrido after a poor start to the season.

Ex-Spanish international midfielder Marcos Senna had a penalty saved by Rayo goalkeeper David Cobena just before half time, but Valero added the second on 66 minutes to help Villarreal home.