Robben's first-half wonder strike proved the only goal of the game as Madrid moved back into the Champions League spots and ensured the gap to leaders Barcelona - 3-1 victors over Real Mallorca last night - remained at 12 points.

Madrid, for whom new signings Lassana Diarra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar were handed their debuts, did not have it easy though and they were indebted to some fine saves by Iker Casillas for keeping Villarreal at bay after the break.

Madrid moved level on points with Sevilla with the win after the Andalusians failed to beat rock-bottom Osasuna.

The hosts appeared set to regain second spot only for Osasuna striker Walter Pandiani to grab an injury-time equaliser to cancel out Jesus Navas' opener.

There was still time for the hosts to come close to restoring their lead but Fredi Kanoute's shot came back off the woodwork.

Valencia end the weekend in second after beating Atletico Madrid 3-1 last night thanks to two goals from Spain playmaker David Silva.

Nikola Zigic's second stint with Racing Santander got off to the perfect start as he scored the only goal to give them victory at Real Valladolid this afternoon.

The giant Serbian was thrown straight into the action after returning to the club on loan from Valencia, and made his mark with a 64th-minute strike that was enough to collect the three points and a first win in five attempts for Racing.

Malaga edged out Sporting Gijon by a single goal in a hard-fought encounter - Lolo scoring the only goal of the match with a header in a dull first half to give Malaga their seventh win of the season.

Recreativo Huelva beat relegation rivals Numancia 3-1, although the outcome could have been completely different had the visitors not missed two penalties.

Goals from Javi Fuego, Javier Camunas and Aitor Tornavaca landed the points for the Andalusians after Jose Javier Barkero's early miss from the spot, while Gorka Brit's late consolation for the Soria-based side did little to appease his personal anguish at failing from 12 yards at 2-0 down.

The result lifts Recre out of the relegation zone as they continue to build on their recent improvement under Lucas Alcaraz, which has now seen them win three of their last four matches.

Espanyol failed to move out of the bottom three after conceding a late equaliser at Athletic Bilbao, however.

Moises Hurtado put the Barcelona-based side in front eight minutes before half-time and the Catalans looked likely to hold on for an important victory until they were denied by Andoni Iraola's brilliant late leveller.

Hugo Sanchez claimed a valuable three points in his first match as Almeria coach with a 1-0 success over Real Betis.

Miguel Angel Corona headed the only goal shortly before half-time but the hosts were forced to weather a second-half storm from Paco Chapparo's men in a game that threatened to turn nasty late on when both teams had a player sent off.

Deportivo La Coruna moved level on points with fifth-placed Atletico after winning at Getafe.

Rodolfo Bodipo put Depor in front only for Manu to level matters after 16 minutes but Sergio's penalty with nine minutes to go settled the match in the visitors' favour.