Malaga hold Sevilla, Valencia also draw

Valencia paid the price for some poor finishing as they failed to kill off Mallorca and were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw after conceding a late penalty.

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Juan Antonio Mata has the ability to tear apart the Athletic defence.

Unai Emery's side dominated from the outset but were wasteful in front of goal, with David Villa particularly off form. Villa did, though, put Valencia ahead early in the second half, only for Borja Valero to convert a late penalty and level the scores.

Luis Fabiano struck twice as high-flying Sevilla fought back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to save themselves from a shock home defeat to rock-bottom Malaga in an exciting Andalusian derby.

Malaga looked on course for only their second win of the season as goals from Fernando and former Sevilla midfielder Sergio Duda put them 2-0 up against the run of play. However, Luis Fabiano took his tally to seven in nine games this season with a second-half brace to earn Sevilla a deserved share of the spoils.

Mate Bilic struck the winner as Sporting Gijon continued their excellent recent form with a 1-0 win at home to Villarreal.

The Croatia striker was alert to the rebound and scrambled the ball home from close-range after Alberto Rivera had seen his penalty parried by Diego Lopez 15 minutes from time.