VALENCIA, Feb 12 (SW) - A goal from David Villa in the 44th minute was enough for Valencia to beat Barcelona and Mestalla, and close in on the Liga leaders.

Valencia - FC Barcelona 1-0

The top clash between second-placed Valencia and league leaders Barcelona, had the hosts winning 1-0 and reducing the gap from nine to six points.

Barcelona were without Ronaldinho, who was suspended for one match, and the Catalans visibly missed the Brazilian's influence.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 44th minute. Goalkeeper Valdez made a mistake and allowed David Villa to lob the ball into the net.

Celta de Vigo - Villarreal 1-0

Villarreal suffered their 6th defeat of the season, and are experiencing a difficult phase. The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute, when Fernando Baiano converted a penalty.

Real Betis -Deportivo la Coruña 0-1

The other Galician side, Deportivo, had a 0-1 win at Real Betis in the south. The decision came in stoppage time, as Ruben Castro broke the deadlock just in time for a small away victory.

Atletico de Madrid - Real Sociedad 1-0

Atletico de Madrid hosted Real Sociedad and a goal from Mateja Kezman in the 82nd minute was enough to win. John Viafara was sent off for Sociedad in injury time.

Mallorca - Getafe 1-1

Juan Fernando Arango put Mallorca in the lead after 67 minutes, but Getafe levelled through Riki, ten minutes later.

Espanyol - Racing Santander 0-2

Racing Santander needed until the 81st minute to open the score against Espanyol, through Abella Damia. A second goal was added by Francisco Javier Casquero, two minutes later.

Alaves - Malaga 3-2

Alaves took the lead when Cesar Navas scored an own goal in the 44th minute, and John Aloisi doubled the gap five minutes later.

Rodolfo Bopido's goal for 3-0 in the 56th minute turned out to have been decisive, as Duda's (70th) and Antonio Hidalgo's (90th) goals were insufficient.