Betis close in on Top Four, Valencia fail to escape relegation zone

SPAIN: Real Betis’ Andres Guardado’s match-winning goal propelled the side to move closer to fourth-placed Atletico Madrid with a victory over Almeria while Valencia failed to escape the relegation zone following a 1-2 defeat against Athletic Club.

Betis, which had been struggling in their previous fixtures amid an otherwise strong season, triumphed over Almeria 3-2 to move just one point within the fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Midfielder Sergio Canales, deflected a floated pass by Rodri Sánchez with his chest before chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with his left boot without letting the ball touch the ground in the 42nd minute to power Betis to lead 2-1.

Almeria forced level in the 62nd minute before Guardado then headed in a cross from Canales in the 70th minute to secure the victory.

Rodri opened the scoring for Betis in just the sixth minute while Luis Suárez and Samu Costa scored for Almeria in the loss.

Meanwhile, Valencia failed to escape the relegation zone despite a firm start at home against Athletic Club letting the game slip away 1-2.

Samu Castillejos put Valencia in front in just the 17th minute, only for Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet to score for sixth-placed Athletic Club and sealed the victory for the tourists.

Following the defeat, Valencia hold the 18th position with only 20 points after Cadiz escaped the drop zone on Friday with a win.

In another fixture, Sevilla stunned better-ranked Mallorca 2-0 to secure 12th position in the standings while Jorge Sampaoli’s side remained at 10th.

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