Striker Alvaro Negredo scored twice for Sevilla as his side defeated Valencia 2-1 in the Spanish soccer league at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Sunday night.
Although David Navarro scored a late goal for Valencia, it was not enough against the home side that produced an energetic physical display.
Negredo's goals meant he has scored three in two games and his second in particular was a work of art.
Winger Jesus Navas won the ball in midfield, ran 30 meters and fed the striker with a smart back-heel. Negredo then showed his skill to beat Valencia keeper Cesar Sanchez with a magnificent chip from the edge of the penalty area.
The win takes Sevilla back into fourth place, three points behind a Valencia outfit that is now eight points behind Real Madrid.
Elsewhere Atletico Madrid went into its home game against Malaga with high hopes of climbing the table.
However, Duda put the visitors ahead in the third minute and youngster Javier Lopez sealed the win for Malaga when he scored a second with 20 minutes remaining. It was Malaga's first away win of the season.
Winger Juanfran scored twice to give Osasuna a 2-0 away win in Villarreal. The defeat saw Villarreal coach Ernesto Valverde sacked by club President Fernando Roig.
Zaragoza boss Jose Aurelio Gay had also been under pressure, but his side won 3-1 away to Tenerife to give him a lifeline.
New signing Suazo and Adrian Corlunga scored for Zaragoza after Juanlu had opened the scoring for the home side.
Lafita finished the revival off when he added a third and now Tenerife coach Jose Luis Oltra's job could also be under threat.
Racing Santander had defender Moraton sent off early in the second half but still held on for a 0-0 draw in Getafe's Alfonso Perez Coliseum.
Valladolid and Almeria drew 1-1 in the Nuevo Zorilla and Xerez claimed only its second win of the season by beating high flying Mallorca 2-1.
Two second half goals from Carlos Calvo gave the bottom of the table side three points after Webo had put the visitors ahead.