Valencia star David Villa failed to find the back of the net.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VALENCIA, Spain -- Valencia missed a chance to strengthen its grip on third place in the Spanish league when it was held to a 0-0 draw by Racing Santander on Monday.

Valencia has 47 points -- four better than Mallorca and Sevilla, which lost to Real Madrid 3-2 on Saturday.

Hesitation cost David Villa in the 20th minute as the Valencia striker was too slow in front of goal and allowed goalkeeper Fabio Coltorti time to recover and make the save. Villa was denied by the post moments later following a nice layoff by Pablo Hernandez.

Racing's Sergio Canales went close twice, with Miguel Angel Moya saving the teenage forward's right-footed shot at the close of the first half.

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half and Moya again was the difference as the backup 'keeper denied Mohamed Tchite from close range in the 67th.

Valencia defender David Navarro was sent off with two minutes remaining for a second bookable offence for handling the ball and will miss Sunday's game at Barcelona.

Real Madrid and Barcelona share 62 points with Madrid top on goal difference after Barcelona drew 2-2 at Almeria.

In other games played over the weekend, it was: Deportivo 3, Tenerife 1; Malaga 2, Xerez 4; Espanyol 0, Villarreal 0; Mallorca 3, Sporting Gijon 0; Osasuna 0, Getafe 0; Athletic Bilbao 2, Valladolid 0; and Zaragoza 1, Atletico Madrid 1.