MADRID, April 26 (Xinhua) — Villarreal needs just one point from its remaining games to secure a place in next season’s Champions League after a 2-1 home win over Celta Vigo on Sunday night.
Gerard Moreno opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside the first 30 seconds after Alberto Moleiro was fouled, and Villarreal doubled its lead shortly before the half-hour mark when Nicolas Pepe swept in a cross from the left.
Borja Iglesias pulled a goal back from the spot in the 73rd minute, having to retake his penalty after his first effort was saved but ordered to be taken again for encroachment. Moments later, Ferran Jutgla headed against the post, but that was as close as Celta came to an equalizer.
There was controversy in Rayo Vallecano’s 3-3 home draw with Real Sociedad. With Real Sociedad leading 2-1 through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Orri Oskarsson, Pedro Diaz appeared to have leveled for Rayo, only for VAR to intervene. The referee ruled out the goal and instead awarded a penalty to Real Sociedad for an earlier foul on Pablo Marin, even though replays suggested the defender had made contact with the ball. Oyarzabal converted to put the Copa del Rey winner 3-1 ahead.
Florian Lejeune pulled a goal back for Rayo with six minutes remaining, and Alemao leveled with a header in the 98th minute. There was still time for further controversy as Rayo appealed strongly for a penalty when Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro caught Fran Perez with his fists while missing a punch, but the referee waved play on.
Elche chose the perfect moment to claim its first away win of the season, racing into a 2-0 lead at Oviedo inside 16 minutes through goals from Pedro Bigas and Gonzalo Villar. Ilyas Chaira gave Oviedo hope 14 minutes from time as he pulled one back, but Elche held firm despite a late red card for German Varela.
Sevilla dropped into the relegation zone after a 2-1 away defeat to Osasuna, which strengthened its own hopes of European qualification. Neal Maupay put Sevilla ahead in the 69th minute, but Raul Garcia leveled 10 minutes from time after a pass from Ante Budimir, and Alejandro Catena arrived at the far post deep into stoppage time to snatch the winner for the hosts. ■
