LA LIGA Week 10

Primera División leaders Real Madrid FC stormed to a 5-1 win at Valencia CF on a night when Ronald Koeman was confirmed as the new coach at Mestalla.

Madrid power
Departing PSV Eindhoven chief Koeman will take over on Friday following Quique Sánchez Flores’s sacking but his new team under caretaker Óscar Fernández were 4-0 down at half-time tonight. Within two minutes Raúl González had struck from distance, and Ruud van Nistelrooy produced two neat finishes either side of Sergio Ramos's angled shot. Miguel Ángel Angulo pulled one back just before the hour but Robinho made it 5-1 and Valencia had Raúl Albiol sent off late on.

Atlético pip Sevilla
Sevilla FC won their first game under Juande Ramos’s replacement Manolo Jiménez against Valencia on Sunday but it was tougher tonight as they lost 4-3 at Club Atlético de Madrid, who moved ahead of Los Che into fourth. Maniche struck for the home side in the opening seconds but Luis Fabiano equalised and although Sergio Agüero restored Atlético's lead, Zé Castro's own goal made it level at the break. Maxi Rodríguez put the capital club back ahead with 21 minutes left and substitute José Manuel Jurado made it safe as the game entered added time despite Luis Fabiano's subsequent strike.

Villarreal rise
Villarreal CF moved up to second, within four points of Madrid, as they gained a 3-0 derby victory against winless bottom side Levante UD with goals from Guillermo Franco, Giuseppe Rossi and Pascal Cygan. FC Barcelona can move back to within two points of Madrid on Thursday if they win at lowly Real Valladolid CF while RCD Espanyol welcome Real Murcia CF.

Zaragoza success
Real Zaragoza are seventh after they overcame UD Almeria 1-0 and RCD Mallorca were held 1-1 at RC Deportivo La Coruña. Struggling Getafe CF were boosted by a 2-0 win against Athletic Club Bibao, while CA Osasuna defeated hosts Real Betis Balompié 3-0 and Real Racing Club Santander drew 0-0 at RC Recreativo de Huelva.