Barca overcome Celta 3-1 to retain top spot

MADRID, Jan 28 (Reuters) Barcelona held on to top spot in the Primera Liga with a 3-1 victory over misfiring Celta Vigo in the Nou Camp today.

In-form 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 earlier beat Levante 4-2 for their first win of 2007.

The UEFA Cup holders were set on their way by Frederic Kanoute, who finished off a swift break in the first half, before Alexander Kerzhakov doubled the lead early in the second.

Levante's Damiano Tommasi scored an own-goal to put Sevilla 3-0 ahead in the 66th minute but the game was far from over as the home side fought back.

An Ian Harte corner was glanced in by Frederic Dehu in the 68th and soon after Harte's free kick was headed home by Gustavo Reggi, before the excellent Alejandro Alfaro wrapped up the win for the visitors with a late header.

Real Madrid are third with 38 points after losing 1-0 at Villarreal yesterday. Fourth-placed Valencia, on 36, play at Real Betis in the late game.

Atletico Madrid are fifth, also on 36, after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Racing Santander yesterday.

Elsewhere today, bottom club Gimnastic stunned visiting Catalan rivals Espanyol 4-0, and Athletic Bilbao won the Basque derby 2-0 at Real Sociedad.

Reuters DH VP0215