Sevilla stunt Villarreal's assault on top three
Sunday, April 24, 2011
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Villarreal CF missed the chance to close in on an automatic UEFA Champions League qualifying berth after suffering a 3-2 loss at Sevilla FC, who consolidated sixth place.
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Villarreal CF remain six points adrift of third-placed Valencia CF in the Liga following a 3-2 loss at Sevilla FC.
Valencia were beaten 6-3 by Real Madrid CF on Saturday but still possess a six-point cushion in third after Villarreal failed to capitalise. The UEFA Europa League semi-finalists were two down inside 14 minutes in Seville, Ivan Rakitić and Álvaro Negredo scoring the hosts' goals. Carlos Marchena (56) pulled one back for the Yellow Submarine before Ndri Romaric struck just after the hour, Giuseppe Rossi halving Villarreal's deficit again with 17 minutes left.
Club Atlético de Madrid remain behind Sevilla in seventh after a 4-1 win against Levante UD. Elias gave the capital outfit a 19th-minute lead before Felipe Caicedo equalised from the spot six minutes before half-time. The hosts ultimately prevailed through two Sergio Agüero efforts – the second a penalty – and a Gustavo Munúa own goal. Sevilla and Atlético lie two points behind fifth-placed Athletic Club.
Hércules CF, meanwhile, enhanced their survival prospects with a 1-0 victory against RC Deportivo La Coruña which leaves them third from bottom and within two points of safety. Málaga CF are three points better off having triumphed 2-1 at 15th-placed Real Racing Club. Elsewhere, RCD Mallorca and Real Sporting de Gijón recorded home victories, 2-0 and 1-0 against Getafe CF and RCD Espanyol respectively.