Tchite powers Racing Santander past Valencia

Nov 1, 2008 - 11:21 PM By PA SportsTicker

Mohamed Tchite inspired Racing Santander to a shock 4-2 victory at Valencia, which was unbeaten in the league this season until Saturday night.

The striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but Valencia was level three minutes later when David Villa scored from the penalty spot.

Tchite restored Racing's lead four minutes into the second half but Valencia refused to give in and pulled level through Joaquin in the 70th minute.

Ten minutes later the Belgian-Burundian completed his hat trick and a David Albelda own goal in the closing stages capped a miserable night for the hosts, who drop to third in the table.

Xavi bagged a brace as Barcelona beat Malaga, 4-1, to extend its winning run to 11 games and move provisionally top of the Primera Liga for the first time this season.

Xavi gave Pep Guardiola's side the lead from a free kick after just five minutes, but Duda equalized for the hosts with another impressive strike soon after.

Lionel Messi restored Barca's advantage after 18 minutes, Xavi netted a third for the Catalans shortly after the interval and the Catalans wrapped up a comfortable victory late on through Dani Alves' deflected free-kick.

Sergio Aguero enjoyed a starring return to the Atletico Madrid ranks with both goals in a 2-0 victory over Real Mallorca.

Villarreal made up for its shock midweek thrashing in the Copa del Rey in emphatic style by beating strugglers Athletic Bilbao, 4-1.

Giuseppe Rossi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but Joseba Etxeberria leveled matters for Bilbao just five minutes later as the hosts enjoyed their best 45 minutes of the season.

However, two goals in six minutes from Robert Pires and Santi Cazorla put Villarreal in control and Santi Cazorla added a fourth late on.

On Sunday, Real Madrid travel to Almeria in the pick of the rest of the weekend's action.