Barcelona held on to top spot in the Primera Liga with a 3-1 victory over misfiring Celta Vigo in the Nou Camp yesterday.

In-form striker Javier Saviola headed Barca in front in the first half, but Celta levelled from the penalty spot through Nene in the 67th minute.

Ronaldinho restored the home side's lead with a disputed penalty soon after and substitute Ludovic Giuly scored a breakaway goal at the end to seal the victory.

Barcelona have 42 points, one ahead of second-placed Sevilla who had a 4-2 victory over Levante 4-2, for their first win of 2007. Former Republic of Ireland full back Ian Harte set up both of Levante's goals from dead-ball situations.

The pressure on third-placed Real Madrid increased as they slumped to their third defeat in five games on Saturday at Villarreal. Midfielder Marcos clipped the ball past Iker Casillas to put the finishing touch to a slick passing move involving former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan and Matias Fernandez midway through the second half.

The 19-year-old's classy strike earned Villarreal their second victory in seven outings and their first league win over Real Madrid.

Fourth-placed Valencia missed their chance of overtaking Real Madrid when they lost 2-1 to Real Betis last night.