Owen strikes again as Real move into second

Real Madrid moved into second place in the Primera Liga, behind arch-rivals Barcelona, after a penalty from Luis Figo and second-half strike from substitute Michael Owen earned them a 2-0 victory away to Malaga on Sunday.

Owen secured Real the win after a shining moment of individual skill, tucking home from 12 metres out after cutting inside a defender to notch his fifth goal in six games.

Victory left Real seven points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona, who came from a goal down to claim an entertaining 2-1 win over Deportivo Coruna at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

This season's surprise package Levante are in third, level on points with Real, after a close-range strike from defender Jesule gave them a 1-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Sevilla slipped back to fourth when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by lowly Real Mallorca in Hector Cuper's debut in charge of the islanders.

Last season's champions Valencia continued their miserable run of form by slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Primera Liga newcomers Getafe, a result that left them in seventh place in the table, 11 points adrift of Barca.

Claudio Ranieri's side, who had not won in their previous eight outings in all competitions, were unable to cope with their determined and ambitious opponents who claimed the win thanks to a first-half strike from midfielder Michel.

INTENSE PRESSURE

With Valencia already out of the King's Cup and facing an early exit from the Champions League, former Chelsea boss Ranieri will find himself under intense pressure over the next few days.

Despite his impressive recent scoring record, Owen found himself dropped from the starting line-up as Real coach Mariano Garcia Remon opted to strengthen his midfield by bringing in Albert Celades.

Real, who had to fight their way back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 Champions League draw against Dynamo Kiev in midweek, had a more solid and compact look about them against the Andalucians.

With Celades and Zinedine Zidane running affairs in midfield, Real quickly gained the upper hand and it was the Frenchman who earned his side a penalty when he was brought down on the fringe of the area by Malaga defender Gerardo.

Luis Figo sent keeper Juan Calatayud the wrong way with his perfect spot kick to put Real in front in the 24th minute.

Ronaldo spurned a great chance to extend his side's lead moments later, but he sent his bobbling shot wide of the post after he had been put clear.

Malaga were given few chances to get back on level terms and, when they did, they were unable to make the most of their opportunities.

Former Manchester City striker Paulo Wanchope missed the target from inside the area on the half hour and the Costa Rican had a goal-bound shot deflected wide by Roberto Carlos just before the break.

Real failed to press home their advantage in the second half, with Ronaldo and Raul missing a string of scoring chances. It was not until Owen extended their lead eight minutes after replacing the Brazilian that they were able to relax.

Controlling a neat pass from Michel Salgado with his chest, the former Liverpool striker shimmied past a defender and drilled home inside the near post to continue his impressive scoring run.