Raul, Robben on mark for Real

Clinical strikes from captain Raul and winger Arjen Robben gave Real Madrid a 2-0 home win over Real Valladolid yesterday that trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top back to six points.

Leaders Barca had put pressure on the champions with Saturday's 2-0 victory over Recreativo Huelva at the Nou Camp that moved them nine clear overnight on 75 points.

Real have 69 with eight matches remaining.

Valencia moved above Villarreal into fourth on 49 after Juan Mata's superb late winner gave them a 3-2 win at Sporting Gijon.

A fine piece of skill from Gonzalo Higuain was the catalyst for Real's opening goal shortly before half-time. The Argentine lifted the ball between two defenders and crossed for Raul to divert the ball high past Sergio Asenjo into the Valladolid goal.

The visitors had chances to level but Real made sure of the points with around 10 minutes left when substitute Guti clipped the ball over the top for Robben to run through and finish low into the bottom right corner.

Elsewhere, Jose Maria Nogues had a successful start in his first match in charge at Real Betis since replacing sacked Paco Chaparro last week, the Andalucians winning 3-2 at Racing Santander to move up to 13th.