Villarreal move up to second after 3-0 win over Levante

MADRID, Oct 31 (Reuters) Villarreal moved up to second place in the Primera Liga after they crushed basement side Levante 3-0 at home today.

Manuel Pellegrini's side lost 4-1 to Real Zaragoza last time out, but they got off to storming start at the Madrigal when Mexico striker Guillermo Franco stole in behind the Levante defence to steer in a Marcos Senna free kick in the third minute.

Former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi made it 2-0 on 15 minutes when he scored from the spot after Santi Cazorla was adjudged to have been brought down in the area.

French defender Pascal Cygan added a third before the break, heading past keeper Marco Storari after another Senna free kick.

Levante, the only side in the Primera Liga yet to post a win this season, are anchored to the foot of the table with just one point from 10 games.

Hector Cuper's Real Betis also suffered a heavy defeat when they went down 3-0 at home to Osasuna, a result that left them hovering just above the relegation zone.

Leaders Real Madrid face Valencia later on Wednesday, while Atletico Madrid host Sevilla.

Reuters BJR VP0242