Leaders Barcelona go three ahead

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MADRID, Spain -- Barcelona went three points clear at the top of the Primera Liga with a 2-1 home win over Deportivo la Coruna.

Ronaldinho played a key role in the Barca goals either side of half-time.

Just before the break Ronaldinho lofted a pass to Lionel Messi, who ended a long diagonal run by chesting the ball under control and firing a left-footed shot past Aouate.

Six minutes into the second session Ronaldinho combined with Iniesta and Xavi before the ball was deflected by a defender to Samuel Eto'o, who collected his eighth league goal of the season.

Deportivo came back into the match after a slip by Giovanni van Bronckhorst let in Adrian, who rounded Victor Valdes to score.

Deportivo's Spanish international midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron had a third operation on an injured left knee on Saturday, in an attempt to save his career.

It is hoped he will be able to return to playing again in around a year, doctor Rafael Arriaza told the club's Web site.

Valencia moved into third place in the Primera Liga table with a hard-fought 3-2 home victory over Espanyol.

Spain striker David Villa put Valencia in front in the 12th minute but Albert Riera equalized three minutes later.

Villa then set up goals for Vicente, in the 26th minute and Miguel Angel Angulo in the 59th.

Espanyol maintained the pressure on the home side with a 63rd minute goal from Luis Garcia and pushed Valencia all the way to the final whistle.

Real Betis defender Juanito scored a late equalizer to earn his side a 3-3 draw with Villarreal.

The match was played at Seville's La Cartuja stadium because Betis were serving the first of a three-match stadium ban, following the incident when Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was knocked unconscious by a bottle thrown from the stands.

Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan put Villarreal in front in the opening minute only for Fernando to snatch a 10th minute leveler.

Forlan restored Villarreal's advantage two minutes into the second period but Edu made it 2-2 with 18 minutes left.

Former Arsenal player Robert Pires scored his first goal for Villarreal to give them the lead for the third time in the 78th minute but their hopes of taking all three points were dashed three minutes into stoppage time when Juanito struck.

Levante's Riga Mustapha was sent off after 53 minutes in the basement battle away to Real Sociedad, who won 1-0 with a 38th minute strike from Ansotegi.

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