Valencia beat Celta 1-0 to keep pressure on leading pair

MADRID, March 3 (Reuters) A Fernando Morientes goal gave Valencia a 1-0 home win over Celta Vigo to keep them in the hunt for the Primera Liga title today.

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

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

Valencia stay third but moved on to 46 points, one behind second-placed Sevilla and three short of leaders Barcelona.

The leading two were playing each other later on Saturday, when Barcelona had the chance to pull five points clear at the top with a victory in Seville.

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

Celta remain deep in trouble in 16th, one point above the relegation places with all their direct rivals playing tomorrow.

Reuters DH VP0255