Sevilla's Frederick Kanoute (right) celebrates with team mate Renato after scoring a goal against Mallorca during their Spanish first division football match at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville yesterday. Kanoute is the league's leading goalscorer with 15 goals. - Reuters

MADRID, Spain (Reuters)

Leaders Sevilla lost their 100 per cent home record, and the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, when they were beaten 2-1 by struggling Real Mallorca in the Primera Liga yesterday.

Mallorca came into the game on the back of five straight defeats in all competitions and, against the run of the play, fell behind to a first-half penalty from Mali striker Frederic Kanoute.

But the visitors levelled when Jose Carlos Nunes volleyed in from a corner just after half-time, and Argentine Maxi Lopez struck the winner after a mix-up in the home defence.

Sevilla, who have now lost consecutive games, remain on top with 37 points, two ahead of Barcelona who lost 3-1 at Espanyol on Saturday and have a game in hand.

In-form Valencia are third with 33 points following their 3-0 win over local rivals Levante on Saturday. Two goals from Fernando Torres helped Atletico Madrid climb to fourth on 32 points after a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid ended a turbulent week with a morale-boosting 1-0 home win over Real Zaragoza that moved them within two points of leaders Sevilla in third-place.

Talk of rejuvenating the squad, David Beckham's decision to leave at the end of the season and coach Fabio Capello's decision to discard him dominated the build-up to the match. But a relatively young side rose to the occasion by putting in a spirited performance, with Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring the only goal just before the break.

Elsewhere, two goals from Roberto Soldado helped Osasuna to a 5-1 home win that punctured the air of enthusiasm surrounding Luis Fernandez's arrival at lowly Real Betis.