Spanish league: Valencia overcome Eibar

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.