Brazil striker Nilmar scored a first-half winner as Villarreal beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 in the Spanish league yesterday.

Nilmar collected a pass from Angel Lopez in the 33rd minute and scored his league-leading fourth goal from a powerful shot that flew in off the post.

Villarreal's third straight win gave them nine points — one behind leaders Real Madrid and Valencia — while Deportivo remained without a victory in four games.

Elsewhere, Jose Rondon and Antonio Galdeano scored second half goals to give Malaga a 2-0 victory at Getafe.