Malaga romps to 4-0 victory over Valencia in Spain

Francisco Portillo scored eight minutes in for Malaga.

Jon Nazca/Reuters

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Malaga outclassed a drab Valencia 4-0 thanks to a goal and assist by midfielder Francisco Portillo in Saturday's meeting of two of Spain's sides to reach the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

Portillo opened for Malaga eight minutes in when he stepped on Eliseu Pereira's pass, picked his spot and floated an unstoppable shot into the right corner of the net.

Goalkeeper Diego Alves kept Valencia alive with saves of shots by Joaquin Sanchez and Javier Saviola on both sides of halftime.

But Portillo slid a ball to the unmarked Saviola who finally found the net in the 75th.

Roque Santa Cruz and Francisco "Isco'' Alarcon added goals late to cap Malaga's first win in five rounds in the Spanish league.

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