VALENCIA HAMMER REAL BETIS WITH SIX-GOAL BLITZ, CLIMB TO SECOND ON SPANISH TABLE

Madrid, Oct. 16: Valencia spent the last couple of seasons trying to avoid relegation in the Spanish League. After eight matches this season, they are already looking to dethrone Barcelona from the top of the standings.

Valencia reached second place with an emphatic 6-3 win at Real Betis on Monday, moving to within four points of Barcelona, who lost their perfect record after a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Defending champions Real Madrid, who defeated Getafe 2-1 with a late winner by Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday, are one point behind Valencia in third place. Atletico and Sevilla are another point behind.

Valencia, whose last league titles came in 2002 and 2004, struggled in recent seasons under the ownership of Singapore investor Peter Lim.

Under coach Marcelino Garcia, Valencia have already won five times this season, and they are coming off four straight wins while outscoring opponents 17-7.

“We are playing at a very high level collectively,” Valencia striker Rodrigo said. “We deserve a lot of credit for what we have been doing so far this season. We know there’s still a long way to go. We want more, we are an ambitious team,” he added.

Valencia got off to a great start at the Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville, opening a 4-0 lead with goals by Geoffrey Kondogbia, Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo and Santi Mina.

Betis rallied with three unanswered goals after the 79th minute from Joel Campbell, Antonio Sanabria and Cristian Tello. —AP