Sevilla slump continues in Valencia stalemate

Madrid - Sevilla's alarming slump in form continued but the visitor was grateful to escape with a point from a 0-0 draw at Valencia on Sunday.

Valencia was denied a fourth consecutive win as Italian striker Simone Zaza had a goal ruled out for handball 17 minutes from time.

Sevilla's best effort saw Stevan Jovetic hit the post early on, but Jorge Sampaoli's men have now won just one of their last eight games in all competitions.

A point means Sevilla trails third-placed Atletico Madrid by three points in the battle for automatic Champions League qualification.

However, Sevilla enjoys a comfortable eight-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal, who travel to Deportivo Alaves on Monday.

Earlier, Leo Baptistao struck in stoppage time to hand RCD Espanyol a 1-0 win at CD Leganes.