Sevilla 2 - Recreativo Huelva 1

Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Aitor Ocio (Alfaro 84'), Escudé, Dragutinovic; Jesús Navas, Maresca (Martí 58'), Poulsen, Antonio Puerta; Kerzhakov (Renato 68'), Luis Fabiano. 4-4-2.
Recreativo: Laquait; Merino, Pablo Amo, Mario, Poli; Jesús Vázquez, Barber; Cazorla, Rosu (Uche 60'), Aitor (Cheli 76'); Sinama-Pongolle. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Sevilla: Jesús Navas, Luis Fabiano for Renato, Kanouté / Recreativo: Laquait, Rosu, Aitor for López Vallejo, Juanma, Uche.

Goals:
1-0. 13. Maresca. Controlled Luis Fabiano headed pass and volleyed shot into net.
2-0. 81. Luis Fabiano (penalty). After Luis Fabiano brought down by Vázquez.
2-1. 89. Jesús Vázquez (penalty). After Escudé fouled Uche inside area.

Sevilla remain just two points behind new leaders Real Madrid and a point behind Barcelona after beating Andalusian neighbours Recreativo Huelva 2-1 on Saturday evening. Maresca was one of several players fighting for a place in next Wednesday's UEFA cup line up, and after testing reserve keeper Laquait in the second minute, he gave his side the lead mark with a low volley after Luis Fabiano set him up.

Palop had to make a couple of important saves from Sinama-Pongolle before the break, and the French striker was booked for diving in the area after the restart, visiting coach Marcelino getting himself sent off by referee Alvarez Izquierdo for his too vehement protests.

But Sevilla were well on top as the second half progressed, Puerta having a goal disallowed and Alves bringing another good save out of Laquait. And with ten minutes to go Luis Fabiano put the game beyond Recre's reach with a second goal from the penalty spot after the striker was hauled down by Jesús Vázquez. The visitors did get one back in the final minutes, Vázquez converting a second penalty after Escudé barged in to Uche, but there was no time left for them to change the result.