Valencia go 3rd in La Liga, Sevilla win, Barca held by Getafe

February 13, 2018 00:00:00

Barcelona's Lionel Messi looks dejected after the Soccer match against Getafe at Camp Nou, Barcelona in Spain on Sunday. — Reuters

BARCELONA, Feb 12 (Agencies): Valencia beat local rivals Levante 3-1 on Sunday to end a six-game losing streak in all competitions and go third in La Liga.

Marcelino's side had suffered in recent weeks, losing to Barcelona in the King's Cup and to Las Palmas, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

They got back on track at the Mestalla, however, as Santi Mina put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute before Sergio Postigo equalised a minute later.

It was still 1-1 in the 65th minute when Levante defender Coke had a goal harshly ruled out for a foul before Luciano Vietto put Valencia ahead in the next move.

Meanwhile, Sergio Rico was the hero for Sevilla with a penalty save and several key interventions as his side boosted their European hopes with a 1-0 win over Girona in La Liga on Sunday.

The only goal of the game at a sunny Sanchez Pizjuan was scored just over 30 seconds into the second half, with Pablo Sarabia making sure the ball went in after a Joaquin Correa effort was stopped on the line.

But, before that, Rico had intervened to prevent the home side going behind just prior to the interval, diving to his right to save an Aday Benitez penalty awarded for a handball by Luis Muriel.

The Spanish international goalkeeper made several key saves, including one to deny Portu from point-blank range with just two minutes left, as Sevilla reclaimed sixth place in La Liga from Eibar, 1-0 winners at Leganes on Saturday.

In anther game, La Liga leaders Barcelona failed to break down Getafe in a dull 0-0 league draw on Sunday, leaving the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table.

Philippe Coutinho came close with a long range effort which was tipped wide by Vicente Guaita, with the Getafe goalkeeper also blocking a Yerry Mina header and a late effort from Luis Suarez.

Barca talisman Lionel Messi was below his best and off-target with various set-pieces, while Ousmane Dembele returned from injury but could not help from the Nou Camp bench.