Reuters - Sat, 28 Nov 22:57:00 2009
Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano scored twice in the second-half to give his side a 2-2 draw at home to struggling Malaga in La Liga.
The visitors, who started the day bottom and without a win in 12 consecutive matches in all competitions, had taken a surprise 2-0 first-half lead through Fernando and Duda.
Sevilla stay third with 26 points, but they have missed out on the chance to put pressure on the top two, who meet for the first Clasico' of the season on Sunday.
Leaders Real Madrid, with 28 points, visit the Nou Camp with a one-point advantage over arch-rivals and champions Barcelona.
The Andalucian derby was dominated by Sevilla but midfielder Fernando put Malaga ahead against the run of play as the hosts struggled to clear a corner after 22 minutes.
Sevilla created openings but again it was the visitors who struck when Duda netted with a precise finish just before the break.
Luis Fabiano cut the deficit with a towering header from a corner just before the hour and spun to fire the equaliser from the edge of the area in the 72nd but could not find a winner.
We had the chance to spend the night as co-leaders with Real Madrid but failed to take it, Luis Fabiano told La Sexta television.
Malaga played very well and we missed a lot of chances that normally we would score.
Malaga climbed off the foot of La Liga and moved up to 17th, ahead of the bottom three on goal difference with seven points.
A late penalty denied Valencia a win over visitors Mallorca as they drew 1-1 and also missed the chance to put pressure on Liga leaders Real Madrid and Barca ahead of Sunday's 'Clasico'.
Spain striker David Villa had given Valencia the lead just after the restart, poaching his 10th goal of the campaign as he diverted Ever Banega's shot in from close range.
But Valencia, who lost David Silva to injury in the first half, paid for failing to take their chances.
They gave away a soft penalty five minutes from time, when defender Bruno Saltor unnecessarily bundled over Gonzalo Castro.
Mallorca's Borja Valero scored from the spot.
Valencia remain fourth on 25 points, one behind third-placed Sevilla, two behind Barca and three in arrears of Real.
Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez kept out two penalties against Sporting Gijon but could not prevent his side slipping to a 1-0 defeat.
His first save came in the 75th minute, after his defender Gonzalo Rodriguez had been sent off for a foul in the area.
The Spain international parried Alberto Rivera's spot-kick only to see Mate Bilic put away the rebound for the hosts. In the last minute he blocked a penalty from Bilic.
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WHY SEVILLA!!? YOU HAD A GOLDEN CHANCE!
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