Valencia Go Second With 2-1 Win Over 10-Man Espany

Espanyol remain in the relegation zone with 13 points from 15 matches.

Winger Vicente came off the bench to score the winner as Valencia fought back from a goal down to beat 10-man Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday and move up to second place in the Primera Liga.

Roman Martinez had given Espanyol the lead with just under half an hour gone at the Mestalla when his long-range shot deflected off David Albelda and flew past Valencia goalkeeper Renan into the net.

Espanyol midfielder Francisco Rufete was harshly dismissed for a second handball 11 minutes later and Valencia equalised midway through the second period when Raul Albiol volleyed in from a corner.

Vicente replaced Juan Mata with about a quarter of an hour left and was on hand to finish a flowing move and give his side the three points which takes their tally to 30, one ahead of Villarreal who play at Sevilla on Sunday.

Espanyol remain in the relegation zone with 13 points from 15 matches.

Later on Saturday (2100 GMT), leaders Barcelona host champions Real Madrid at the Nou Camp in new Real coach Juande Ramos's first league match in charge since his surprise appointment to replace Bernd Schuster on Tuesday.