<p>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. <br /><br /></p>.<p>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.<br /><br />Cristian Gomez , Joan Verdu, Alvaro Vazquez and Kalu Uche scored for Espanyol.</p>
<p>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. <br /><br /></p>.<p>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.<br /><br />Cristian Gomez , Joan Verdu, Alvaro Vazquez and Kalu Uche scored for Espanyol.</p>