Malaga draws, Betis wins

Malaga outplayed Espanyol in the first half, with defender Martin Demichelis coming close with a pair of headers at Cornella-El Prat stadium.

In the relegation-zone, Espanyol rarely bothered Malaga's defence, which remained the best in the league with only five goals conceded in nine games - nor has Malaga allowed a goal in five Champions League matches.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini rested various players after his team's win midweek over AC Milan in the Champions League.

"We didn't come here to take away a draw, but you can't win every time," said Pellegrini. "It was a tightly-contested match and Espanyol deserves the point for all its hard work."

In Seville, Betis midfielder Sevilla drove his volley past Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves, who managed to get a hand to the ball but not enough to keep it out, to score what proved to be the winner in the ninth minute.

Valencia mustered a better effort in the second half but was stymied by goalkeeper Adrian Castillo, who capped a strong performance with a save of Roberto Soldado's strike three minutes from time.

Valencia's away troubles deepened with its fourth consecutive defeat away from Mestalla stadium.

Real Valladolid plays Real Sociedad on Monday to close out round nine.