Levante struck early and relied on its staunch defense when reduced to 10 men to beat Osasuna 2-0 at home in the Spanish league on Saturday.

Levante's win extended its unbeaten streak to eight consecutive rounds and provisionally lifted it ahead of Sevilla and Valencia into seventh place.

First-year coach Joaquin Caparros had set the goal of avoiding relegation for Levante this season, but after 26 rounds the Mediterranean minnow is closer to earning a Europa League berth than worrying about the drop.

Midfielder Papakouly Diop gave Levante the lead at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium just four minutes in when his long-range strike bounced past goalkeeper Andres Fernandez and inside the far post.

Forward Ruben Garcia doubled the hosts' advantage by fending off Damia Abella to control a long free kick before turning and firing the ball home.

Levante played the last half hour with 10 men after Victor Casadesus saw a direct red card for a hard tackle from behind on Alvaro Cejudo, but even though Osasuna finally mustered its first shot on goal it never threatened to come back.

Elsewhere, Malaga drew 1-1 at home with Valladolid in a meeting of two teams fighting not to join the second division next season.

The result left Valladolid in the relegation zone, three points behind Malaga, Getafe and Almeria.

Malaga's Roque Santa Cruz was left unmarked to head in the 13th-minute opener, but Valladolid dominated the rest of the match after Javi Guerra went close in the 20th.

Midfielder Daniel Larsson equalized 10 minutes later after Manucho knocked down a long cross by Antonio Rukavina for the Swede to score.

Later, Espanyol visited Getafe and Celta Vigo was at Elche.

Real Madrid leads the league by three points over Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid visits Atletico on Sunday, when Barcelona hosts Almeria. Also, Real Sociedad plays at Sevilla, Villarreal hosts Real Betis, and Valencia visits Rayo Vallecano.

Athletic Bilbao routed Granada 4-0 on Friday to hold onto fourth place and the final Champions League spot.

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