Valencia win La Liga

Valencia secured their fifth Spanish league title, and their first since 1971, with a comfortable 2-0 victory away to Malaga …

Valencia secured their fifth Spanish league title, and their first since 1971, with a comfortable 2-0 victory away to Malaga today.

With a four-point advantage over defending champions Real Madrid going into the penultimate round of matches, Valencia needed to win or equal Real's result to wrap up the title.

Argentine defender Roberto Ayala settled their nerves with a powerful header from a Vicente corner on 35 minutes and Fabio Aurelio made it 2-0 just before halftime.

There was a furious row about the second goal, which was originally ruled offside.

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Referee Alfonso Perez Burrull finally ruled in Valencia's favour after a delay of more than five minutes and Rafa Benitez's side held on for victory.

With Real Madrid managing no better than a goalless draw at home to Real Mallorca, Valencia took an unassailable six-point lead at the top of the standings. p>