Atletico Madrid took another step towards safety in La Liga on Sunday while Mallorca climbed into fifth place.
Atletico continued their recovery from their woeful start to the season with a 4-1 home win against nine-man Valencia.
The visitors took the lead through David Silva but then had Carlos Marchena sent off for a second yellow card on the half-hour mark and Diego Forlan equalised immediately from the penalty spot.
Third-placed Valencia also had Miguel sent off late on as goals by Sergio Aguero, Forlan and Jose Manuel Jurado sealed victory for Atletico, who are now 11th and 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Sevilla are three points behind Valencia in fourth after a goalless draw at home to Athletic Bilbao.
But Manolo Jimenez's men will probably be happy with a point having spent almost the entire second half with 10 men after Romaric was sent off for a professional foul.
Mallorca are three points behind Sevilla in fifth after a 2-1 win at third-bottom Real Valladolid.
Alberto Buemo gave the hosts the lead just after the break but Mallorca fought back through goals from defender Ruben and substitute Julio Alvarez.
Mallorca leapfrogged Deportivo La Coruna after they lost 1-0 at Villarreal, with Joseba Llorente's 36th-minute effort proving enough to take the hosts from 10th up to eighth.
Gijon into top halfSporting Gijon replaced Osasuna in the top half after late goals by David Barral and a Diego Castro penalty gave them a 3-2 home win over Los Rojillos.
Almeria are just a point behind Osasuna in 13th after winning 2-0 at relegation rivals Racing Santander to make it three wins from four and take another step away from the danger zone.
Victory would have seen Espanyol stay level with Almeria but they remain 15th after being held to a 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Xerez.
Although Mario Bermejo's late equaliser ended Xerez's three-match losing streak, they have now slipped to 12 points adrift of safety.
Crew hope Herrera will grasp all for seasonVilla stars in Valencia win
