Sunday saw Sporting Gijon beat Espanyol 1-0 to virtually assure their place in the top flight next season. Nacho Novo's goal gave Sporting the points and put a huge dent in Espanyol's European ambitions on an emotional day for Sporting coach Manuel Preciado, whose father was killed in a car accident on Wednesday.

Hercules kept their survival chances alive with a 1-0 win at home to a negative Deportivo la Coruna. Tiago Gomes' header 20 minutes from time gave the side from Alicante their reward.

Malaga won 2-1 away to Racing Santander to make the battle to avoid relegation tighter than ever. Julio Cesar Baptista and Seba Fernandez both scored their second goals in two weeks to maintain the positive form of Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Meanwhile Getafe slip closer to trouble after losing 2-0 in Mallorca. Jose Nunes and Akihiro Ienaga both scored from corners to highlight Getafe's frailties in defense and condemn them to another nervous week near the relegation zone.

Kun Aguero scored twice as Atletico Madrid defeated Levante 4-1 to maintain their challenge for a place in Europe next season. Elias opened the scoring with a free kick and Levante keeper Gustavo Munua scored to add the fourth with a goal in his own net.

Sevilla also took a big step towards Europe with a thrilling 3- 2 win against Villarreal.

Ivan Rakitic and Alvaro Negredo put the home side two ahead before Carlos Marchena pulled Villarreal back into the match. Koffi Romaric re-established Sevilla's two goal lead, but Giuseppe Rossi added a second for Villarreal to give emotion to the final minutes.

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