VALENCIA handed a major boost to Barcelona and Sevilla in La Liga’s title race as the side beat Real Madrid 2-1 at Mestalla.

    Two goals in the first nine minutes allowed Voro’s side to record only its second victory over Madrid in 15 league meetings and bring the leader’s six-game unbeaten run in all competitions to an end.

    Simone Zaza’s spectacular turn and half-volley after four minutes had the home fans on their feet, and they were sent into raptures when Fabian Orellana scored his fifth goal of the season following a clinical counter-attack soon afterwards.

    Madrid began to regain some composure and Cristiano Ronaldo headed home just before the end of a breathless first half of soccer to give his side some hope.

    Ronaldo saw a penalty appeal turned down as Madrid built some sustained pressure after half-time, but despite the visitors enjoying nearly 72 percent of the possession, Diego Alves went largely unworried in the Valencia goal.

    A surprisingly toothless attack was unable to fashion a late equalizer, meaning Madrid remained just a point above second-place Barca in the table, though the side still has a game in hand. (SD-Agencies)