Stunning Baptista goal puts Malaga top

A stunning overhead kick from Julio Baptista earned Malaga a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Getafe that put them top of La Liga on Saturday.

The Brazilian international hovered in the air over the penalty spot in stoppage time and lashed his shot into the top corner to leave the big-spending south-coast club on 13 points from six games, ahead of Valencia on goal difference.

An early strike from Sergio Canales earned Valencia a 1-0 home win over promoted Granada earlier in the day.

The Spanish youth international, on loan from Real Madrid, scored from outside the area in the fourth minute and although Valencia lived dangerously they held on for the victory.

Granada, back in the top-flight after a 35-year absence, hit the crossbar in the second half but a lack of firepower means they are La Liga’s joint lowest scorers with two goals alongside Sporting Gijon.

On Sunday third-placed Real Betis (12 points) host Levante, fourth-placed Barcelona (11) visit Gijon and Real Madrid (10) travel to Espanyol.

The troubled trio of Villarreal, Real Mallorca and Racing Santander all rallied to grab draws on Saturday.