A 14th defeat in 16 games leaves Eibar just one point above the relegation zone
Valencia players celebrate after scoring a goal during their Spanish league match against Eibar at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on Sunday. Valencia won 2-0. (Photo: AFP)
Madrid: Valencia moved three points clear of Sevilla in the fight for the fourth Champions League place in La Liga with a comfortable 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday. Nicolas Otamendi headed the hosts in front from Jose Gaya’s cross midway through the first-half. Captain Dani Parejo then made the points safe for Valencia with a deflected effort just before the hour mark.
Paco Alcacer tapped home the third into an empty net after Xabi Irureta had made a fine save from Parejo’s free-kick before Mikel Arruabarrena pulled a goal back for the visitors late on. Valencia could still catch Atletico Madrid for the final automatic Champions League place in third.
However, they face a daunting trip to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend in a game that could also have serious repurcussions in the title race. A 14th defeat in 16 games leaves Eibar just one point above the relegation zone.
Granada boosted their survivial hopes with a win at Getafe. Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano’s hopes of claiming the final European place in seventh both suffered a blow earlier on Sunday as they drew 1-1.
( Source : AFP )
Next Story
