体坛英语新闻：Saturday sees top-3 win in Spain

MADRID, April 18 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona remain top of the BBVA Primera Liga in Spain after a fortunate 2-0 win at home to Valencia on Saturday afternoon.

A goal from Luis Suarez inside a minute and another from Leo Messi with the last kick of the game gave the Catalan side the points to know they would sleep at least two points clear of Real Madrid, but Barca were made to struggle, especially in the first half by a rival who should have taken a point from the game.

Valencia pinned Barca back and saw how Dani Parejo had a penalty saved by Claudio Bravo, while Paco Alcacer hit the woodwork as they spurned a host of first half chances.

Barca controlled matters after the break but it was not until the last kick of the game that Messi made the points safe.

Real Madrid kicked off against Malaga knowing they needed a win in order to bring Barca's lead back to a manageable two points, but they suffered an early setback when Gareth Bale had to leave the pitch with a calf injury.

Sergio Ramos opened the scoring after 24 minutes with a diving header and James Rodriguez doubled Madrid's lead 25 minutes after halftime after Ronaldo had hit a penalty against the Malaga post.

The Portuguese striker finally got his goal in injury time with a close range tap in after good work from Javier Hernandez who had replaced the injured Bale.

Antoine Griezmann's first half brace of goals (his 19th and 20th of the season) allowed Atletico Madrid to strengthen their grip on third place with a 2-1 win away to struggling Deportivo la Coruna.

Giezmann's goals looked to have made the points before Oriol Riera gave the home side a lifeline with a 78th minute header, although it was too little too late for Deportivo, who remain in the relegation zone.