By DPA
Madrid : Sevilla have moved up to fifth in La Liga with a memorable 5-0 thrashing of pathetic Zaragoza.
It was a perfect way Saturday for Manolo Jimenez’ side to recover from Wednesday’s 3-2 Champions League defeat at Fenerbahce. The win was their biggest at home since 1997 that left Sevilla with 39 points from 25 games, two points behind fifth-placed Atletico Madrid
Star of the show, once again, in Seville was league top scorer Luis Fabiano, who banged in the first two goals to take his tally to 19.
The Brazilian striker made it 1-0 in the 20th minute by turning in a centre from Jesus Navas. Five minutes later, Luis Fabiano scored again, after an elegant one-two with compatriot Daniel Alves.
Zaragoza’s ragged defence went from bad to worse, and veteran Roberto Ayala scored a clumsy own goal two minutes before half-time.
Comically, Carlos Diogo scored a similar own goal in the 50 th minute, then angrily got himself sent off for fouling the promising Diego Capel.
Seydou Keita completed the rout by heading in the fifth goal in the 68th minute.
The latest defeat leaves troubled Zaragoza in 13th place. Sunday’s results could leave them fifth from bottom.
Earlier Saturday, Valencia had been held to a 1-1 draw at home to lowly Recreativo Huelva.
The disappointing draw leaves Ronald Koeman’s team in ninth place in La Liga with 35 points from 25 games.
Huelva, for their part, move up to seventh from bottom with 29 points.
Juan Mata shot Valencia ahead in the 39th minute on a pass from fellow youngster Ever Banega.
But the hosts lacked fluidity and continuity, and Huelva pushed them back after half-time. It came as little surprise when the lively Carlos Martins made it 1-1 in the 53rd minute after being set up by Edu Moya.
Huelva had few problems in holding on for a point, with the Mestalla crowd characteristically losing patience with their own team.
Valencia’s internal problems are causing a miserable season.
Former captain David Albelda went to court Friday to demand compensation and the end of his contract, on the basis of having been told by Koeman in December – along with fellow veterans Santiago Canizares and Miguel Angel Angulo – that he would not be picked again.
The “valencianista” fans are divided in their attitude toward Albelda, as evidenced by the diverse banners shown Saturday in Mestalla.