Madrid - Valladolid came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-2 on Sunday, a result which leaves ambitious Sevilla stuck in fifth place in La Liga. Manolo Jimenez's injury-hit side seemed to be cruising to victory after goals on the break from Renato and Jesus Navas, in the 19th and 25th minutes.
But things started to go wrong for Sevilla in the 35th, when Luis Fabiano - their only fit striker - picked up a second yellow card for diving in the area.
Jonathan Sesma pulled a goal back for Valladolid just before the break. Then Uruguayan supersub Fabian Canobbio took centre stage by turning the tables on Sevilla with two handsome left-foot goals.
"The sending-off of Luis was crucial," Jimenez said.
"But even so we should have had more answers out on the field this evening."
Sevilla have 17 points from nine games, two points less than fourth-placed Real Madrid, who are away to Almeria later on Sunday.
Real are currently one point behind Valencia - who crashed 2-4 at home to Racing Santander on Saturday - two points behind Villarreal, 4-1 winners in Bilbao, and three points behind leaders Barcelona.
On Saturday, Barca again turned on the style, chalking up their 11th straight win in all competitions by cruising to a 4-1 win down in Malaga.
Sevilla are four points ahead of sixth-placed Atletico Madrid, who beat Mallorca 2-0 on Saturday with two goals from fit-again Sergio Aguero.
Getafe remain seventh after battling out a 1-1 draw down in Huelva on Sunday. They are level on 13 points with Malaga.
On 12 points are Espanyol - who beat Osasuna 1-0 ona goal from former Spain striker Raul Tamudo - and revitalized Sporting Gijon.
Newly-promoted Gijon made a dreadful start to the season, but Sunday's 3-1 defeat of Numancia - with two more goals from Mate Bilic - lifts them up to joint ninth place.
Almeria and Mallorca share 11th place, Valladolid are now 13th after their defiant defeat of Sevilla.
Level on nine points are Santander and Deportivo Coruna, who are away to Betis in Sunday's late game.
Betis currently have eight points, Numancia and Huelva seven.
Athletic Bilbao are second from bottom with just five points, one point more than bottom side Osasuna, who have lost all three games under former Spain manager Jose Antonio Camacho.
