A Manuel Fernandes strike proved enough for a lethargic Valencia to beat Valladolid 1-0 and reclaim top spot in the Spanish first division.

Valencia started slowly with the much publicised threat from Juan Mata, David Villa and Joaquin Sanchez failing to fire and instead it was Valladolid who caused most danger down the wings through Pedro Leon and Jonathan Sesma.

But Fernandes scored the only goal of the game when he fired a powerful shot from the edge of the area after 54 minutes to put Valencia on top of the table on 16 points.

Villarreal also have 16 points after a 2-1 win on Saturday against rock-bottom Real Betis but are in second spot on goal difference.

Earlier Sunday, Sevilla bolstered their Champions League hopes for nest season with a 4-0 mauling of Athletic Bilbao to move into third place on 14 points.

The home side never allowed tiredness from their midweek UEFA Cup efforts effect them as they went ahead after 26 minutes through Frederic Kanoute and then five minutes before the interval Renato Santos doubled their advantage.

The best goal of the game came after 75 minutes in a well-worked counter-attack with Adriano Correia providing the finishing touch. Substitute Ernesto Chevanton wrapped up the game with ten minutes to go.

"It's going well but it's still early days. We maintained a good rhythm and that is what we need to continue doing until the end of the season but it will be long and hard," said Manolo Jimenez, who has set a record by becoming the first Sevilla coach to string together eleven matches without defeat.

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