Valencia closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to three points after two second-half goals from Joaquin gave them a win over Recreativo Huelva.

After dominating the game, Spain winger Joaquin gave Valencia the lead they deserved on the hour mark, coolly finishing after fine work from David Villa.

Three minutes later, Joaquin made the game safe with a superb volley from David Silva's teasing cross.

Atletico Madrid's indifferent home form came back to haunt them as they were held to a goalless draw by lowly Real Betis.

Atletico have regularly dropped points at their Vicente Calderon stadium this season, and the stalemate was the ninth league match they have failed to win at home.

For a side with European aspirations that is a major concern, and Javier Aguirre's men could now find themselves five points off the Champions League places — and possibly even outside the top six — by the end of the weekend if results go against them.

Betis will be much happier with the point as they fight against the drop, although they had a great chance to win the match in the 86th minute through David Odonkor.