Real Madrid ended a shattering week with a 3-0 thrashing by Osasuna, a first home defeat of the season which allowed Valencia to take over at the top of the Primera Liga yesterday.
Valencia replaced the champions after midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo scored a second-half header to give Rafa Benitez's side a 1-0 win at Cup winners Real Zaragoza.
Real, who were knocked out of the Champions League after a shock 3-1 defeat at Monaco on Tuesday, could hardly have got off to a worse start at the Bernabeu when they went a goal down in the second minute.
The champions were 2-0 down at the break and also lost Brazilian striker Ronaldo with an injury in the first half. The crowd whistled and waved white handkerchiefs, signifying surrender, after the third goal from Moha.
With just six games remaining Valencia lead the standings on 69 points and Real follow on 67. Deportivo Coruna, who won 2-0 at Villarreal, are a distant third on 60.
Barcelona, who extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches with a 3-1 win at Valladolid on Saturday, are a point behind in fourth.
ITALY: Inter Milan scored twice in the final four minutes for a 3-2 comeback win at Perugia yesterday, boosting their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Late goals from Adriano and substitute Obafemi Martins secured three points for Inter, who had trailed 2-1 to Perugia.
The result moves Inter to fifth place on 49 points above Lazio, who lost 1-0 to Juventus on Saturday. Inter are now one behind Parma, who occupy the fourth qualifying spot for the Champions League with five games remaining.
