Espanyol closed back to within a point of neighbours Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table with a 2-0 victory over bottom side Huesca.

A fifth victory of the season for Espanyol was secured by two goals from Borja Iglesias either side of half-time.

Huesca, who have now lost six of their last seven matches, enjoyed more of the possession and chances but Espanyol scored with their only two efforts on target.

There was also defeat for second bottom Rayo Vallecano, who lost 2-1 at home to Getafe in a match where all the action took place in the second half.

Getafe scored twice in five minutes through Dimitri Foulquier and an own goal from Sergio Akieme. Raul de Tomas pulled one back with 16 minutes remaining but the hosts could not find an equaliser and Oscar Trejo was sent off in added time.

Struggling Athletic Bilbao inched out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-1 draw with Eibar. A 17th-minute penalty from Charles put Eibar ahead but Inaki Williams equalised four minutes later.

A 35th-minute goal from Antonito gave Real Valladolid a 1-0 victory over Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

It was a frustrating evening for Betis, who had more than 60 per cent possession and 20 shots to six for their opponents but could not find the breakthrough.