The early LA Liga promotion on Saturday contained three important games when Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano raised their European qualifying branches and Atletico Madrid suffered a setback.
La Real had a comfortable first half against the worst side in La Liga and opened the score by Mikel Oyarzabal, who struck the cross of Pablo Marin home. Under the leadership of the direct approach and difficult dribbling of Takefusa Kubo, until the hour market, the side of Imanol Alguacil felt in control without threatening much.
At that time, however, there was a short pressure from Valladolid, who fell into the game, but then quickly returned. The corner of Sergio Gomez entered someone without a touch and eliminated doubts about the end result. A late goal from Juanmi Latasa in Stoppage added some tension, but in the end it was another defeat for La Pucela that bottom remained.
Atletico Madrid had better in the first half, while Conor Gallagher came close before Cesar Azpilicueta insisted a pounding volley from an Alexander Sorloth Knockdown home. Espanyol competed hard, but struggled to find a way through Los Colchoneros, for whom the sour note was a head injury for Robin Le Normand, who was on his way to Jose Maria Gimenez.
That competitive advantage of Espanyol became increasingly relevant as the second half progressed. After Sorloth had gone close, Espanyol grew out in the game and when Clement Lenglet hit a player from a set of piece, Los Pericos got a penalty and a golden chance to go. Captain Javi Puado hit the top corner without signs of nerves.
With Rodrigo de Paul and Julian Alvarez, Athleti was still struggling to turn the screw in the final phase. Their efforts not enough, it can be a fatal blow to their title hopes, because Barcelona and Real Madrid clear nine and six points at the latest. Espanyol sneaks a little closer to safety with a heartbreaking point.
Alaves 0-2 Rayo Vallecano
The striking push from Rayo Vallecano for Europe has lost some momentum in recent weeks, but they ended a five-game Winless Run near Alaves.
It went well for the visit visitors, while Pathe Ciss led them in the front within the first 90 seconds, and they never looked back from there.
Joan Jordan was denied from the penalty spot, in a further boost, and Pedro Diaz buried a nice finish to send all three points back to Vallecas.
Images via Getty Images / One Football
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