The battle for the Europa League places remains tight as Sevilla and Atletico Madrid followed up Athletic Bilbao’s win over Real Sociedad with victories on Sunday. Sevilla remain in sixth after they took advantage of a slow start from Villarreal, whose minds were on their upcoming Europa League semi-final with Porto, to win 3-2. They went ahead within 15 minutes through Ivan Rakitic and Alvaro Negredo before Carlos Marchena pulled a goal back.
Koffi Romaric added a third for the home side but substitute Giuseppe Rossi, who had been held in reserve, added a second and went tantalisingly close to an equaliser but his shot came back off the post. Atletico are behind Sevilla on goal difference after beating an in-form Levante 3-1. Elias Mendes put Atletico ahead and while Levante drew level from the penalty spot through Felipe Caicedo, Sergio Aguero then hit a brace, the second again with a penalty kick and keeper Gustavo Munua put the ball through his own goal. Nacho Novo gave Sporting Gijon a 1-0 victory over Espanyol to practically assure their top-flight future by taking them over the 40-point mark.
