MADRID, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Valencia lifted a 3-1 win away to bottom team Xerez on Sunday securing their third place in Spanish La Liga.

    Spanish internationals Juan Mata, David Silva and Carlos Marchena score de for Valencia.

    Xerez, first ever upgraded into top flight, have collected only seven points at the bottom and are poised to be relegated into the second division.

    Valencia have the best away form of any team in the major European leagues, having won seven of their nine matches on the road.

    Mata shot Valencia ahead in the 11th minute, on a pass from the fast-improving Ever Banega. Carlos Calvo made it 1-1 for Xerez following a rapid counter in the 26th minute, only for Silva to restore Valencia's lead after a good cross from David Villa.

    Marchena made it 3-1 with a handsome solo goal through the middle 20 minutes from time.

    Valencia are three points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who are at home to host Mallorca later on Sunday.

    Leaders Barcelona are to play an away to lowly Tenerife on Sunday, who are maintaining two points advantage.

    Deportivo Coruna were moving up to fourth, one point above Mallorca, by beating Osasuna at home, on a solitary goal from Juan Rodriguez.

    Deportivo are four points behind Valencia, who they face in the King's Cup on Wednesday.

    In other games, Espanyol beat Zaragoza 2-1; Sporting Gijon beat Getafe 1-0, on a goal from Diego Castro; Athletic Bilbao pulled out a 1-1 draw in Malaga.