Valencia crowned La Liga champions

Valencia clinched their second Spanish title in three seasons after goals from Vicente and Ruben Baraja earned them a 2-0 victory…

Valencia clinched their second Spanish title in three seasons after goals from Vicente and Ruben Baraja earned them a 2-0 victory at Sevilla last night.

With just two games to play, the win left Rafa Benitez's side with an unassailable seven-point lead over Real Madrid, who slumped to their third successive defeat on Saturday, 3-2 at home to Real Mallorca.

Valencia opened the scoring after just 12 minutes of an intense and fiercely contested match at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Diminutive forward Xisco back-heeled the ball into the path of Vicente after receiving a quick pass down on the left flank from defender Amedeo Carboni.

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The speedy winger raced towards the area, fended off a challenge from Sevilla defender Javi Navarro and drilled the ball past keeper Esteban at the near post to the delight of the 3,000-strong contingent of travelling Valencia fans.

Valencia had to endure nervous moments in the second half as Sevilla pushed forward in search of an equaliser but midfielder Baraja drilled home in the final minute of normal time to hand Valencia their sixth Spanish title.