Valencia beat Getafe, snap at Barca's heels

MADRID: Just two points separate the top four teams in the Spanish first division after Valencia defeated 10-man Getafe 3-0 on Sunday night to move third above champions Real Madrid on goal difference.

Barcelona lead the way with a point advantage over Villarreal and a two-point cushion over Valencia, now third, and Real who had a brief spell at the summit on Saturday.

A Manuel Fernandes strike, a terrific volley from Joaquin and a late Vicente Rodriguez effort helped Valencia overcome Getafe, who had been handicapped by the sending off of Roberto Soldado close to half-time, as Unai Emery's team closed to within two points of pacesetters Barca.