MADRID, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Freddy Kanoute goal after nine minutes was enough to hand Sevilla a 1-0 win away to Sporting Gijon, earning a third place for the club in Spanish La Liga.

    The win lifted Sevilla above Valencia, who lost to Real Madrid on Saturday, into third place.

    Sevilla traveled north following two draws, but rarely suffered after Kanoute's goal. Sporting worked hard, but lacked the guile to break down a well organized Sevilla defense.

    Atletico Madrid lost at home to Villarreal in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

    Quique Sanchez Flores's side was outplayed by Villarreal that had previously only taken one point away from home.

    Villarreal missed several chances before Simao put Atletico ahead against the run of play.

    David Fuster leveled the score four minutes into the second half following some poor defending from Atletico and Joseba Llorente scored the winning in injury time following more woeful work by the Atletico back line.

    Hugo Sanchez's troubles continued in Almeria, although his side fought to a 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo la Coruna.

    Kala Uche scored for Almeria and Pablo Alvarez leveled for Deportivo.

    Mallorca continued its fantastic start to the season with a 1-0win away to Osasuna. Chori Castro scored the only goal of the game just after the hour with a brilliant strike from outside of the penalty area

    Malaga took its third successive draw, 1-1 away to Valladolid. Duda opened the scoring for the visitors and Jesus Gamez equalized for the home side.

    Getafe beat Tenerife 2-1. Tenerife have yet to win away from home this season.

    Racing Santander took its second win in latest two games after beating bottom sidee Xerez 3-2 in the Sardinero.