Fabulous Fabiano helps Sevilla to stylish victory

Luis Fabiano won a penalty and scored a superb goal to help Sevilla beat Real Mallorca 3-1 at home in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Sevilla tightened their hold on third place and the last automatic Champions League qualification slot, moving them seven points ahead of fourth-placed Valencia, who host Real Madrid later on Saturday.



Real need to win at the Mestalla if they are to deny leaders Barcelona the chance of wrapping up the league title at home to Villarreal on Sunday.

Aritz Aduriz had given Mallorca an early lead before Brazil striker Fabiano was brought down for a penalty as he surged into the area.

Frederic Kanoute's dummy sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot, before Fabiano spun away from his marker in midfield and burst away from three defenders to net Sevilla's second on the hour mark.

Jesus Navas jinked in off the right wing to seal the win with a fierce drive into the far top corner.

Athletic Bilbao secured their top-flight future with a 1-0 home win over Real Betis.

Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros's gamble to rest a large number of first-team regulars ahead of Wednesday's King's Cup final against Barcelona paid off at San Mames.

Ion Velez sidefooted home a well-worked move after 29 minutes and Athletic's reserve goalkeeper Armando was alert to keep out Betis, who remain just three points above the drop zone.