Kanoute Sevilla's hero

Valencia winger Juan Mata (R) celebrates with teammate David Villa after his goal against Zaragoza in their Primera Liga match at the Mestalla on Sunday.Photo: AFP

Substitute Frederic Kanoute headed the winner for Sevilla who overcame a resurgent Villarreal 3-2 to keep themselves in touch with Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league on Sunday.
Villarreal proved tough competition though and responded to Luis Fabiano's opener after nine minutes with goals from Robert Pires and David Fuster.
Fabiano equalised almost immediately and then Kanoute, still not fully fit and starting the game on the bench, scored a crucial winner to maintain the four-point distance from the champions.
Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez felt his team was not as sharp as they should have been after playing in the Champions League in midweek.
"We can have no excuses about playing in three competitions and it is now that we have to show how strong we are. We need to be able to change the chip quickly and be concentrated," he said.
Valencia's star-studded strike force were responsible for a 3-1 victory over Real Zaragoza.
Juan Mata put Valencia ahead after 17 minutes with David Villa and Pablo Hernandez also adding to the lead before half-time.
In the second half, Valencia had further chances but the only goal came from Zaragoza midfielder Abel Aguilar.
"It was not a very fluid game but we were able to control it and get the win," said Valencia coach Unai Emery.
The win leaves Valencia in fourth place, five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Sporting Gijon have their eyes set on a place in Europe after beating Espanyol 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Mate Bilic.
Espanyol travelled to Gijon on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run but they conceded after just three minutes with Bilic deflecting a Diego Castro shot over the line.
Athletic Bilbao beat Racing Santander 2-0 to condemn the home side to their third consecutive defeat.
Racing showed the greater desire and were controlling the midfield through Jose Moraton and Mehdi Lacen but crucially they lacked a cutting edge.
When Carlos Gurpegui headed home against the run of play Racing's confidence quickly evaporated and they struggled to battle back.
The victory was assured for Athletic when Lacen felled Ion Velez in the area and Andoni Iraola converted the spot-kick.