Valencia kept the pressure on Real Madrid in the battle for the Primera Liga runners-up spot, by crushing King's Cup winners Espanyol 4-0.

A first-half penalty from leading scorer David Villa, second-half headers from Argentine centre-back Roberto Ayala and substitute Mista and a late strike from Ruben Baraja kept Valencia second in the table.

Espanyol, who beat Real Zaragoza 4-1 on Wednesday to win the King's Cup, had Eduardo Costa sent off in the second half.

Defeat left Miguel Angel Lotina's side one point clear of a congested relegation zone.

Barcelona took a step towards retaining their title with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Friday, Samuel Eto'o notching his 24th goal of the season.

With five games left Barca have 73 points, 11 more than Valencia and 14 clear of Real Madrid, who play Getafe later tonight.

Fourth-placed Osasuna are level on 59 points with Real after their 1-1 draw with bottom team Malaga.