Sevilla beat Barca to go top in explosive match

MADRID, Mar 4 (Reuters) Ten-man Sevilla fought back from a goal down to beat Barcelona 2-1 at home and move to the top of the Primera Liga in an explosive encounter.

Ronaldinho headed Barca in front after 13 minutes and when Sevilla defender Aitor Ocio was sent off in the 28th for bringing down the Brazilian for a penalty the home side looked to be out of the match.

But Ronaldinho's spot-kick was saved and Sevilla's Alexander Kerzhakov levelled before the break.

Daniel Alves put the Andalucians in front with a freekick early in the second half, and Barcelona soon lost their numerical advantage as Ludovic Giuly and Gianluca Zambrotta were sent off.

Sevilla are top with 50 points, one ahead of Barcelona who dropped to second.

A Fernando Morientes goal gave third-placed Valencia a 1-0 home win over Celta Vigo and moved them on to 46 points.

The former Liverpool striker volleyed home from Hugo Viana's cross after 67 minutes for his 10th goal of the season.

But it was a laboured performance from Quique Sanchez Flores's side, who had goalkeeper Santiago Canizares to thank for a last minute save from Celta's Fernando Baiano.

Real Madrid, who are fourth on 43 points, host local rivals Getafe at the Bernabeu today.

Reuters DH VP0505