LA LIGA: BALE BRACE LIFTS REAL MADRID

Gareth Bale was back on the scoresheet as Real Madrid warmed up for next week's vital Clasico with a 2-0 win over Levante.

Bale being congratulated by Ronaldo

Bale had come in for more criticism than most from the Real fans following the midweek Champions League loss to Schalke but he volleyed home to open the scoring and then deflected Cristiano Ronaldo's shot home just before the break.

Real will now travel to the Nou Camp just one point behind Primera Division leaders Barca for a game that will go a long way towards deciding the destiny of the title.

Carlos Bacca scored twice as Sevilla turned up the heat on Atletico Madrid in the race for Champions League qualification with a 3-0 win at home to Elche.

The Colombian opened the scoring with an 18th-minute penalty and added a second in the 31st minute by heading home from almost on the goal line.

His replacement Kevin Gameiro wrapped up the points late on as the hosts closed the gap on Atletico to four points.

Third-placed Valencia are just a point further ahead, but it is Atletico's stuttering form which would appear to offer Sevilla the greatest hope of making the top four.

Almeria and Villarreal both failed to take their chances in an eventful game which saw both teams reduced to 10 men but somehow finished goalless.

Mauro dos Santos was sent off for the hosts towards the end of the first half but Villarreal lost their numerical advantage in the 55th minute when Jaume Costa was shown a second yellow card.

Tomer Hemed missed a glaring chance for Almeria shortly afterwards but then Villarreal midfielder Tomas Pina squandered a similarly gilt-edged opportunity as the spoils were shared.

Second-half goals from Juanmi Lopez and Nordin Amrabat saw Malagacomfortably beat Cordoba 2-0 to pile more misery on the Primera Division's bottom side.

The forward gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 48th minute and then substitute Amrabat came off the bench to score a delightful second, netting for the first time in 10 matches.

Javi Gracia's side tightened their grip on seventh place thanks to the win but things are looking more desperate than ever for Cordoba, who stay rooted to the foot of the table after a seventh straight defeat and are seven points from safety.