News Archive

Match round-up - First Division, Day 16

An Andalusian derby on Monday night, Betis clocking up their first win in almost two months after beating Málaga 0-2. Sergio León and Camarasa got the goals either side of half time to take their side up six places to eighth, and leave the hosts still in joint bottom spot with Las Palmas. (18.12.17)

Barcelona opened the gap at the top of the table to six points coming in to next Saturday’s “clásico” after beating Deportivo 4-0 on Sunday evening. Luis Suárez and Paulinho got two each for the locals, although they could have had more, Rubén saving a Messi penalty and Valverde's side hitting the woodwork five times. New boys Girona moved up to a heady sixth spot for a couple of hours after a 1-0 victory against Getafe in the mid-day kick-off, Stuani heading the only goal early on, but Villarreal took back the position after they beat Celta 0-1 later in the afternoon, Pablo Fornals giving them the three points with a header shortly before the break. Further down the table Las Palmas and Espanyol drew 2-2 to keep the Catalans six points above their hosts, who remain at the bottom of the pile. Two first half goals from Gerard Moreno appeared to have put the visitors on track for a win, but Rémy and Calleri pegged them back in the last ten minutes, and the Canary Islanders could have snatched an epic victory had Pau López not saved an injury time penalty from Jonathan Viera. (17.12.17)

Atlético Madrid are up to second place after a 1-0 victory over Alavés on Saturday evening. Substitute Fernando Torres got the only goal from a Vrsaljko cross to take Simeone’s side above Valencia, who lost 2-1 at Eibar earlier in the evening. All the goals came in the second half, Joan Jordán heading the winner for the locals near the end after Santi Mina had cancelled out Inui’s earlier strike. Eibar are now up to seventh, a point above neighbours Real Sociedad, who drew 0-0 at arch-rivals Athletic Bilbao in the first match of the afternoon. (16.12.17)

With Real Madrid’s game against Leganés postponed due to the Club World Cup, Sevilla had a chance to catch them in the table this weekend. However they remain two points adrift after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Levante in the Friday night game, albeit ending the year 2017 unbeaten at home. Jason and Mercado both hit the woodwork in the first half, and the two keepers made several saves throughout, but in the end they had to settle for a point apiece. (15.12.17)