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Tag: LaLiga

  • LaLiga: FC Barcelona appoint former star Deco as new sporting director

    On Wednesday, 16 August, 2023, LaLiga champions FC Barcelona introduced the appointment of Deco as their new sporting director. The former Portugal and Barcelona playmaker, who was instrumental in serving to the membership safe the 2006 Champions League title, has signed a three-year contract with the Spanish giants.

    Born in Brazil, Deco isn’t any stranger to Barcelona, having performed for the membership between 2004 and 2008. During his tenure, he scored 20 objectives and offered 45 assists in 161 appearances. His return to the membership is marked by anticipation and pleasure, as he’s famend for his potential to find new expertise, a ability that will likely be essential in his new position.

    As the brand new sporting director, Deco will likely be accountable for shaping FC Barcelona’s sporting philosophy. He will work carefully with the coach, Xavi, and his workers to assemble the squad, successfully changing into the pinnacle of the soccer division. His major focus will likely be to bolster the squad through the present switch window, a activity he has already begun.

    Deco will change Mateu Alemany, the outgoing director of soccer. Alemany will proceed to serve the membership till the top of the present switch window in September. Barcelona has said that Alemany and Deco will collaborate till the switch window closes, guaranteeing a easy transition of duties.

    The membership additionally revealed that within the coming weeks, it could launch particulars in regards to the new FC Barcelona sporting construction. This announcement is eagerly awaited, as it would present insights into the membership’s strategic path below Deco’s management.

    Barcelona’s current signings mirror the membership’s dedication to strengthening its squad. This season, they welcomed veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City. However, the membership additionally noticed some departures, with Ousmane Dembélé transferring to Paris Saint-Germain and Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba becoming a member of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after the season ended.

    Despite these modifications, Barcelona’s monetary well being stays a priority. The membership was unable to deliver again both Messi or Neymar, two of its former star gamers. In this context, Deco’s position turns into much more crucial. His experience and connections could possibly be pivotal in securing key signings, corresponding to Portugal defender João Cancelo from Manchester City.

    As Barcelona begins the protection of its Spanish league title, the membership’s efficiency on the sphere will likely be carefully watched. Their first match resulted in a 0-0 draw towards Getafe, and they’re set to host Cadiz subsequent Sunday. With Deco on the helm of the sporting division, the membership’s followers and stakeholders will likely be hoping for a profitable season and a vivid future.

    Edited By:

    Kingshuk Kusari

    Published On:

    Aug 16, 2023

  • LaLiga recordsdata criticism to European Commission over PSG’s Qatar subsidies

    LaLiga has lodged a proper criticism with the European Commission towards Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning champions of France’s Ligue 1. The Spanish league accuses PSG of distorting the market via their “spending commissions”, which they declare are backed by subsidies from the Gulf state of Qatar.

    PSG, beneath the possession of Qatar Sports Investments since 2011, has been in a position to recruit high-profile gamers and coaches, surpassing what could be possible beneath regular market circumstances, based on LaLiga.

    The Spanish league asserts that PSG’s receipt of overseas subsidies from Qatar has enhanced its aggressive edge, resulting in important distortions in varied nationwide and EU markets. The European Commission lately applied a regulation on overseas subsidies, empowering it to scrutinize monetary contributions made by non-EU nations to firms working throughout the EU. This regulation goals to rectify any distortive results these contributions might have available on the market.

    LaLiga contends that PSG acquires assets on phrases that aren’t reflective of the market, inflicting distortions in a number of associated markets. They additionally argue that PSG secures sponsorship earnings that’s disproportionate to market values, enabling them to reinforce their sporting efficiency and influence the recruitment capabilities of rival golf equipment. In gentle of this new regulatory device, LaLiga is hopeful that the European Commission will take needed motion to remove such market distortions, which they imagine are severely damaging the sporting ecosystem.

    “In response to the new policy direction arising from the implementation of the European Regulation on Foreign Subsidies Distorting the Internal Market (the “Foreign Subsidies Regulation”), LALIGA has lodged a complaint with the European Commission regarding the PSG’s funding mechanisms, which seriously distort the European Union’s (EU) internal market.”

    “This regulation, which is applicable from 12th July 2023, concerns foreign subsidies granted by non-EU states to companies carrying out economic activity within the internal market, taking into account those given by public companies that are, directly or indirectly, controlled by a state, including subsidies granted within a period of five years prior to the implementation of the regulation.”

    “As a result, LALIGA has filed a complaint alleging that PSG has received foreign subsidies from the State of Qatar, which has allowed it to improve its competitive position, thus generating significant distortions in several national and EU markets.”

    “Specifically, as outlined in the complaint, PSG obtains resources on non-market terms which distort several closely related markets, allowing PSG to use those foreign subsidies to sign top players and coaches well above its potential in a normal market situation. It is also able to secure sponsorship income which does not correspond to market values. This enables them to boost their sporting performance, as well as affecting the ability of rival clubs to recruit.”

    “This improved sporting position then enables PSG to increase its competitive position in markets related to sporting competitions (e.g. those for the audiovisual marketing of competitions or the sponsorship market), thereby artificially increasing the club’s value within said markets.”

    “Therefore, LALIGA trusts that the European Commission, thanks to this new regulatory tool, will take the necessary measures to eliminate market distortions such as those described above, which seriously damage the sporting ecosystem,” learn the assertion on La Liga’s web site.

    This is just not the primary time LaLiga has taken difficulty with PSG’s monetary practices. Last yr, they filed a criticism with UEFA, the governing physique for European soccer, towards each PSG and Manchester City, accusing them of breaching monetary fair-play laws. PSG has made a number of expensive signings in recent times, together with a record-breaking €222 million ($243 million) acquisition of Brazilian ahead Neymar in 2017 and a €180 million deal for striker Kylian Mbappe in 2018. Despite rumors of a possible transfer to Real Madrid, Mbappe renewed his contract with PSG final yr. However, tensions have risen between the participant and the membership as Mbappe introduced in June that he wouldn’t renew his contract, which is about to run out on the finish of the 2023-24 season.

    Published On:

    Aug 13, 2023

  • Real Madrid announce 12 million Euros revenue in 2022/23 amid stadium renovation and Covid-19 challenges

    By India Today Sports Desk: Spanish giants Real Madrid have introduced that they closed the 2022-23 monetary yr with a revenue of 11.8 million euros. Although that is barely decrease in comparison with the earlier season, the membership has managed to take care of profitability over the previous 4 monetary years regardless of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing renovation venture at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The renovation venture, set to be accomplished by the top of 2023, has price the membership 893 million euros.

    According to a press release by the membership, the working revenue for the monetary yr 2022-23 reached 843 million euros, which is a major enhance of 121 million euros (17%) in comparison with the earlier monetary yr of 2021-22.

    While stadium revenues have been restricted as a result of redevelopment venture and are nonetheless 13% decrease than the 2018-19 season, revenues from different enterprise traces have already surpassed pre-pandemic ranges. One space that stands out is advertising revenues, which have seen a noteworthy enhance of 12%.

    Real Madrid’s web price has additionally seen a optimistic improvement, now standing at 558 million euros, a rise of 12 million euros from the earlier season. Additionally, the membership’s web debt, excluding the Bernabeu venture, is reported to be 46.7 million euros as of June 30, 2023, an unlimited enchancment in comparison with the online debt of 263.1 million euros reported final yr.

    The Spanish membership gained Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup, however failed in LaLiga and Champions League. In the Spanish League, the membership got here second, far behind winners FC Barcelona and had been knocked out by Manchester City within the semi-finals of the competitors.

  • Karim Benzema’s Real exit ‘surprise to everyone’, says Carlo Ancelotti

    Karim Benzema’s option to go away Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden years was a shock, supervisor Carlo Ancelotti talked about, nonetheless insisted that the Ballon d’Or winner has earned the exact to determine on.

    The 35-year-old striker will exit Real as a free agent throughout the shut season, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

    “His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last-minute decision,” Ancelotti instructed reporters after Real’s battle in direction of Athletic Bilbao.

    “Yesterday, he educated normally, and as we communicate he’s taken this selection. We have accepted it. I spoke to him this morning, and he talked about he was leaving, and I understood.

    “He’s thought it through and his decision forms part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to reflect on what we have to do. We’ll have a competitive squad next year.”

    Benzema netted a penalty to secure a 1-1 draw in direction of Bilbao on Sunday in his remaining LaLiga sport on the Bernabeu, guaranteeing they accomplished second throughout the standings ahead of native rivals Atletico Madrid.

    Having joined Real in 2009 from Olympique Lyonnais, Benzema turned the spearhead of the membership’s assault and their foremost goal-scoring menace after Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018.

    Benzema scored over 350 targets for Real to sit second on the membership’s all-time scoring document behind Ronaldo and finishes his career on the Spanish capital with a report 25 trophies with the membership, along with 5 European Cups, 4 LaLiga titles and three Copas del Rey’s.

    “I bid him farewell in the knowledge that I’ve coached one of the greatest players in the world and one of the best strikers,” Ancelotti talked about.

    “We can’t be pleased about his departure, nonetheless now now we have to respect his selection. He’s earned the exact to determine on, and all of us thank him for the whole thing he’s executed for this membership.

    “He’s been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he’ll remain forever in the memory of this club.”

    Real moreover launched the departures of forward Eden Hazard, attacking midfielder Marco Asensio and striker Mariano Diaz, leaving holes throughout the assault for membership president Florentino Perez to plug throughout the shut season.

  • Racism is a significant downside in our nation: Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales after Vinicius Jr. incident

    By India Today Sports Desk: The concern of racism in Spanish soccer has taken coronary heart stage as Luis Rubiales, the chief of the soccer federation, acknowledged the difficulty following a grievance lodged by Real Madrid. The alleged insults directed at Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. have sparked a heated debate and prompted requires movement.

    LaLiga goes by mounting pressure to cope with the issue. Vinicius has acquired assist from quite a few quarters, along with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, FIFA, and fellow players like Kylian Mbappe. However, LaLiga President Javier Tebas defended the league’s efforts on Twitter, urging Vinicius to educate himself sooner than criticising and slandering LaLiga.

    During a match at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium, play was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr. acknowledged followers allegedly hurling racist remarks at him. Videos on social media confirmed Valencia supporters chanting racially abusive slogans equivalent to “Vinicius is a monkey” as a result of the Real Madrid group bus arrived.

    El presidente del Real Madrid se ha reunido con @ViniJr para mostrarle su apoyo y su cariño, para informarle de todos los pasos que se están realizando en su defensa y para confirmarle que el membership llegará hasta las ºltimas consecuencias ante una situaci³n tan repugnante de odio. pic.twitter.com/vu18Lf0nif
    — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 22, 2023

    Vinicius Jr. expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating that Spain is being seen as a country of racists in Brazil. Rubiales, at a press conference, acknowledged the seriousness of the difficulty, emphasising its have an effect on on teams, fan bases, golf gear, and all of the nation.

    “The first thing is to recognise that we have a problem in our country,” Rubiales acknowledged at a press conference in Madrid on Monday. It is “a serious problem that also stains an entire team, an entire fan base, an entire club, an entire country.”

    Rubiales criticised Tebas for his remarks, describing them as “irresponsible”. He admitted that Vinicius is also additional appropriate in his analysis and generally known as for elevated efforts to combat racism. “Probably Vinicius is more right than we think and we all need to do more about racism,” Rubiales acknowledged.

    Real Madrid have filed a hate crime grievance regarding the incident, marking the tenth reported episode of racism in opposition to Vinicius this season, in response to LaLiga. Spanish authorities are moreover investigating a attainable hate crime involving a mannequin sporting Vinicius Jr.’s amount 20 shirt, which was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s teaching ground in January.

    Spain’s penal code presents challenges in prosecuting racist incidents all through soccer matches. Prosecutors dropped a grievance filed for racist chants in opposition to Vinicius all through a earlier sport in opposition to Atletico Madrid, citing the transient size and restricted prevalence of the chants.

    Calls for additional substantial movement are gaining momentum. Brazilian President Lula da Silva urged FIFA and LaLiga to take concrete measures, whereas FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed full solidarity and generally known as on LaLiga to implement pointers that penalize golf gear with stage deductions for persistent racist chants.

    — ENDS —

  • LaLiga: FC Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele injured weeks forward of Europa League conflict vs Manchester United

    Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was pressured to stroll off the pitch within the first half of the staff’s 1-0 win in opposition to Girona. While Barcelona prolonged their lead on the prime of LaLiga, they took an enormous hit with the in-form participant’s harm.

    New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 29, 2023 12:09 IST

    File photograph of Ousmane Dembele in motion for FC Barcelona. (Reuters Photo)

    By India Today Web Desk: FC Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was pressured to hobble off the pitch within the first half of the staff’s LaLiga recreation in opposition to Girona on Saturday night, 28 January. Dembele couldn’t proceed past the 26-minute mark within the recreation and requested to be substituted. It was an enormous blow for Barcelona who’re pushing for the LaLiga title this season and are to tackle Manchester United within the Europa League on 16 February.

    “Test this evening on Ousmane Dembélé have revealed that he has strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. It means he is side-lined until the can recover from the injury,” the membership mentioned in a press release.

    After 26 minutes he was changed by Pedri, who went on to attain the one purpose of the sport.

    “The Frenchman has displayed exceptional form in the 27 games that he played in this season, scoring six goals and delivering seven assists. He has been one of the consistently picked players by Xavi Hernández,” the membership assertion lauded the consistency of the French winger who was additionally a livewire for the nationwide staff through the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    LATEST NEWS | Tests carried out this night on Ousmane Dembélé have proven that he has a rectus femoris harm in his left thigh. He is out and his restoration will decide his availability. pic.twitter.com/hG8WskAla3
    — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 28, 2023

    FC Barcelona presently have 47 factors from 18 matches and are 6 factors away from Real Madrid who’re within the second place. The defending champions have performed 17 matches and are to play the reverse fixture in opposition to the league leaders in March.

    Edited By:

    Kingshuk Kusari

    Published On:

    Jan 29, 2023

  • Hate speech has no place: LaLiga condemns actions by Atletico followers after Vinicius Jr. suffers racial abuse

    A LaLiga spokesperson has mentioned that the league condemns the actions by the Atletico Madrid followers after Vinicius Jr suffered racial abuse on Sunday. The Brazilian ahead was subjected to racial abuse contained in the stadium as nicely.

    Vini Jr. was subjected to racial abuse through the Madrid derby (Courtesy: Reuters)

    HIGHLIGHTSVinicius Jr. has been the centre of attraction not too long agoThe Brazilian ahead was subjected to racial abuse on SundayA LaLiga spokesperson condemned the hate speech through the Madrid derby

    The LaLiga has condemned the hate speech after Atletico Madrid followers had been filmed racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. forward of the Madrid derby on Sunday.

    Vinicius Jr. has been within the highlight after his actions throughout Madrid’s win over Mallorca final week and was as soon as once more the centre of attraction forward of the derby. Many Atletico followers had been filmed slinging racial abuse on the Brazilian in a video printed by radio station Cope within the buildup to the match.

    Spanish media had additionally reported that noises and chants of “Vinicius, die” had been heard all through the sport.

    A LaLiga spokesperson has now instructed the BBC, as quoted by Reuters, that the league denounces all incidents inside and out of doors of the stadiums and mentioned that they work with the golf equipment to maintain soccer pleasant and satisfying.

    The spokesperson additionally mentioned that hate speech has no place in LaLiga.

    “We denounce all incidents inside and outside stadiums,” a LaLiga spokesperson instructed the BBC. “We work with clubs to keep our football friendly and enjoyable.

    “Hate speech has no place in LaLiga and we at all times work with the golf equipment and the authorities to determine and convey to justice any such case.”

    Atletico didn’t comment on the situation immediately but said on Twitter to their fans to respect their opponents and support the team with passion.

    “Support Atleti with ardour and respect for opponents.”

    Vinicius Jr. was in good kind for Real Madrid within the recreation in opposition to Atletico and performed an enormous function of their derby win. He setup the second purpose for Los Blancos as he made a blinding run into the field and his shot rebounded off the submit into the trail of Federico Valverde.

    Before the match, the Brazilian had mentioned that he would not cease dancing after scoring a purpose as he’s celebrating the varied tradition on this planet.

    — ENDS —

  • Robert and everybody are upset: Barcelona supervisor Xavi after Rayo Vallecano 0-0 attract LaLiga opener

    FC Barcelona began off their LaLiga marketing campaign within the 2022/23 season with a 0-0 draw in opposition to Rayo Vallecano within the Camp Nou.

    Robert Lewandowski (proper) in motion in opposition to Rayo. (Courtesy: Reuters)

    HIGHLIGHTSFC Barcelona drew 0-0 with RayoBarcelona captain Sergio Busquets noticed a pink cardAll new Barcelona signings performed, barring Jules Kounde

    FC Barcelona had been held to a 0-0 draw in opposition to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, 13 August, of their opening fixture of the LaLiga. Despite controlling many of the ball and taking six photographs on the right track, the house staff was not capable of breach the would possibly of opposition goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

    Barcelona’s new signings, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Frank Kessie weren’t capable of stamp their authority within the opening day, as Barcelona struggled for rhythm for bigger a part of the sport.

    Speaking after the sport, Barcelona supervisor Xavi defended Lewandowski and stated that he was glad together with his efficiency since he labored for the staff.

    “Satisfied because he works for the team. He gave us a hand for the high pressure. He controlled very well when he was the solution in the building up, but of course, we needed a bit more of effectivity (towards goal). It was our main problem today, but I am very happy to have him in the squad (because) he is helping the team, but of course, today Robert and everybody are upset because the result wasn’t good, but we need to continue like that, keep working and with the process. It is a matter of time he will score for sure,” the manager said.

    Frenkie de Jong once again impressed for Barcelona after coming from the bench in the second half, and controlled the tempo from deep midfield. Xavi gave confidence to the player and said that he was very important to the team.

    “He shouldn’t be a participant for the bench. He is a vital participant and I’ve stated it many instances. He has performed very properly. He goes to be an vital participant.I do not know what is going on to occur within the switch market, but when he’s staying with us he can be an vital participant,” Xavi gave his opinion.

    Barcelona can be going through Real Sociedad within the subsequent sport on 21 August, Sunday.

    — ENDS —

  • LaLiga: FC Barcelona mortgage out younger midfielder Nico Gonzalez to Valencia for 2022/23 season

    FC Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez prolonged his contract with the membership however selected to get loaned out to Valencia for extra game-time.

    Nico Gonzalez in motion towards Juventus within the pre-season. (Courtesy: Reuters)

    HIGHLIGHTSNico Gonzalez is extremely rated and has a brand new buyout clause of 1 billion eurosNico Gonzalez selected to depart after Xavi saved Miralem Pjanic on the membershipBarcelona managed to register all of their new signings barring Jules Kounde

    Promising younger expertise Nico Gonzalez selected to get loaned out to Valencia over the unsuriey of sport time at FC Barcelona, proper earlier than the beginning of the season. The 20-year-old Gonzalez was extremely rated after he debuted underneath membership legend Ronald Koeman earlier within the final season, nonetheless, his sport time was reduce quick as soon as Xavi took over within the second half.

    The contract negotiations between FC Barcelona and Nico had been stalled for some time. Rumours had been floating within the Spanish media that the participant and his entourage had been ghosting the membership administration over the scenario.

    Barcelona, on Saturday, 13 August revealed that Nico Gonzalez had agreed to a contract extension, however that the will probably be taking part in this season on mortgage at Valencia as he seeks assured taking part in time. The membership additional revealed that the one-season mortgage deal doesn’t embody a purchase order possibility for Valencia.

    The 20-year-old Nico agreed so as to add two years to his contract and is now linked to Barcelona via 2026.
    Xavi stated on Friday that he had wished Nico to remain, however the participant had requested a mortgage transfer in order that he might play extra.

    In the meantime, the membership has managed to register most of its participant after activating the fourth financial lever. Only defender Jules Kounde stays to be registered among the many new signings, for which FC Barcelona both have to cut back wage additional, or present proof of earnings. The membership performs their first towards Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, 13 August.

    — ENDS —

  • Karim Benzema attracts stage with Raúl as Madrid’s 2nd-highest scorer

    Karim Benzema continues so as to add his identify to Real Madrid’s document books, scoring his 323rd objective to attract stage with Raúl González because the membership’s second-highest scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Benzema netted within the first half of the workforce’s 6-0 rout of last-place Levante within the Spanish league on Thursday, with Madrid having secured the title a number of rounds in the past.

    The outcome sealed Levante’s relegation after 5 consecutive years within the first division.

    Vinícius Júnior, Benzema’s trusted attacking companion all season, scored a hat trick for Madrid because it continues to organize for the Champions League closing towards Liverpool in Paris on May 28, when it can attempt to win a record-extending 14th European title.

    Benzema is now 128 objectives shy of the 451 scored by Ronaldo, who performed on the membership till 2018. Raúl, the coach of Madrid’s “B” squad, performed for the membership within the Nineties and 2000s.

    Benzema’s close-range header within the nineteenth minute off a cross by Vinícius gave the French striker his league-leading twenty seventh objective, which is 9 higher than every other participant within the competitors this season. He has scored greater than a 3rd of Madrid’s 79 league objectives thus far.

    It was the twentieth objective within the final 15 matches in all competitions for Benzema, who has been key within the workforce’s run to the Champions League closing, scoring decisive objectives in each knockout spherical of the European match — together with two hat methods.

    He may have added one other objective on Thursday however unselfishly fed Vinícius the ball for the workforce’s fifth after clearing the goalkeeper inside the world.

    “The connection with Benzema has been very good all season long,” stated Vinícius, who now’s the league’s third-best scorer with 17 objectives.

    “Karim has had a great season and hopefully he can finish it by winning the Ballon d’Or (award for best player).” Vinícius had netted his first objective within the first half earlier than closing the scoring within the closing minutes for his maiden hat trick with Madrid. Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo scored their objectives earlier than halftime.

    Benzema was changed within the seventy fifth together with Luka Modric, who arrange three of Madrid’s objectives.

    Benzema, Modric, Mendy, Vinícius and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had not began within the league derby towards metropolis rival Atlético Madrid on Sunday, a sport Atlético gained 1-0 at house.

    Atlético didn’t give Madrid a guard of honor for the league champions on the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, however Levante’s gamers did on Thursday, lining up by the sideline and applauding Madrid’s gamers as they entered the sphere on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

    Valencia-based Levante was within the first division in 14 of the final 18 seasons.

    “Unfortunately we were not up to the task this season,” Levante captain José Luis Morales stated, amid tears.

    “We have to apologise and try to put this club back where it deserves next season.”

    SOCIEDAD IN EUROPE

    Real Sociedad defeated Cádiz 3-0 to ensure a spot in a European competitors for the third straight season.

    Alexander Sorloth, Adnan Januzaj and Portu scored a objective every for the Basque Country membership, which can play in both the second-tier Europa League of the third-tier Conference League.

    Sociedad is in sixth place, two factors behind Real Betis and three factors forward of Villarreal. Betis has already secured a Europa League place by profitable the Copa del Rey, so the second Spanish berth within the competitors will go to both Sociedad, Villarreal or Athletic Bilbao.

    The victory ended Sociedad’s four-game winless streak within the league.

    Cádiz, which was searching for its second win in a row, noticed its probabilities of escaping relegation diminish with the away defeat. It will go into the ultimate two rounds two factors outdoors the relegation zone.

    VILLARREAL KEEPS FIGHTING

    Villarreal moved nearer to guaranteeing its personal European spot with a 5-1 rout at Rayo Vallecano.

    Alfonso Pedraza scored twice and Juan Foyth, Paco Alcácer and Pau Torres added a objective every for Villarreal, which was eradicated by Liverpool within the Champions League semifinals this season.

    Villarreal is 4 factors in entrance of Athletic, which misplaced 1-0 at Granada on Tuesday.