October 20, 2003	Monday	Sha'aban 23, 1424

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MADRID, Oct 19: Valencia were in devastating form as they crushed bottom club Espanyol 4-0 at the Mestalla to record their sixth win on the trot and reclaim top spot in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez’s side were gifted an early lead when striker Mista guided the ball into the empty net after a deflected clearance ended up at his feet on the edge of the area.

They effectively wrapped up the game before the break when midfielder Ruben Baraja added a well-taken second and Mista got his double after he slotted in at the far post following good work by midfielders Vicente and Pablo Aimar.

Vicente completed a masterful team performance as he made it 4-0 after 79 minutes with a crisp finish to complete a lightning break involving Baraja and fellow midfielder Carlos Marchena.

Valencia, who have conceded just one goal in their seven matches, lead the table with 19 points, one ahead of Deportivo Coruna, who beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

Champions Real Madrid, who claimed a valuable 2-0 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday, are two points further back in third.

Valencia are now the only unbeaten team in the top flight after neighbours Villarreal slipped to their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao, also on Sunday.

For Espanyol, who have yet to win this season, defeat leaves them stranded at the bottom of the table with two points and the result will put further pressure on coach Javier Clemente.—Reuters