Valencia clung on to third place and an automatic berth in next season's Champions League despite crashing to a 4-0 defeat at an inspired Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday.
Fourth-placed Malaga failed to take full advantage of Valencia's setback when they surrendered the lead in the later kickoff and drew 1-1 at home to Real Sociedad, who had Mikel Gonzalez sent off shortly before halftime. With five matches remaining, Valencia have 52 points.
Cristian Gomez , Joan Verdu, Alvaro Vazquez and Kalu Uche scored for Espanyol.
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