Espanyol move up to sixth by beating Betis

Espanyol moved up to sixth in the Spanish Liga on Thursday with a 1-0 home defeat of Betis, on a late goal from veteran Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani.The only goal of a tight clash came 15 minutes from the time when Espanyol left-back Didac centred for Pandiani to break the deadlock with one of his trademark thumping headers.Espanyol now have 15 points from nine games, which is two less than fifth-placed Sevilla but two more than seventh-placed Malaga.Betis, for their part, are ninth with 12 points.The Seville side made a promising start to the season by winning their first four games. Since then, however, they have lost their last five.Later on Thursday, Athletic Bilbao will receive Atletico Madrid in an interesting clash.Atletico have made a disappointing start and defeat in old San Mames would increase the pressure on embattled coach Gregorio Manzano.