MADRID, Jan. 26 -- A 78th minute header from Real Madrid central defender Nacho Fernandez was enough to take Zinedine Zidane's side to the top of the Liga Santander on Sunday night.

Real Madrid made hard work of their visit to face Valladolid and the home side had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes from time, but Madrid's defense, coupled with FC Barcelona's defeat in Valencia gives them a three point cushion over their nearest rivals.

Valencia striker Maxi Gomez missed a first penalty but scored two second half goals as his side inflicted a 2-0 defeat on a disappointing Barcelona.

Barca had over 70 percent of the ball, but once again failed to create many clear chances, while Valencia were aggressive and direct and had it not been for Ter Stegen, they would have taken an early lead.

Stegen saved a 10th minute penalty from Maxi after a foul by Gerard Pique and made several other important saves, while Valenica also hit the post before halftime.

They had better luck in the opening minutes of the second half when Maxi's shot was deflected into the next off Jordi Alba and the powerful striker sealed the win with a clinical finish with 13 minutes to go.

It is the first defeat Barca have suffered since Quique Setien replaced Ernesto Valverde a fortnight ago and team shows little sign of improvement under the new coach.

Things are not much better for Atletico Madrid whose dreadful week, which saw them lose to Eibar and knocked out of the Copa del Rey by third tier Cultural Leonesa, continued when they were held 0-0 at home to Leganes in a game which again highlighted Atletico's problems in front of goal.

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