Sevilla back in Champions League thanks to Villarreal loss
MADRID (AP) — Sevilla secured the final Champions League spot in the Spanish league after Villarreal lost to Real Sociedad 2-1 on Monday.
The loss left Villarreal nine points behind fourth-placed Sevilla with two rounds to go. Sevilla beat Mallorca 2-0 on Sunday for its fourth straight win.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have the other berths in the Champions League.
Sevilla last made it to the Champions League in the 2017-18 season, when it was eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. It played in the Europa League in 2018-19 and this season, where it will face Roma in the round of 16.
Villarreal needed a win to keep alive its hopes of making it to the Champions League. It has won six of its nine matches following the pandemic break, but the home setback against Sociedad ended its chances of qualifying. It remains in good position to grab a Europa League spot, though, as it kept fifth place.
Sociedad also stayed in contention for the Europa League with its third win since the break, moving to seventh place. Willian José scored in the 61st minute and Diego Llorente in the 75th, while the hosts pulled closer through Santi Cazorla in the 85th.
GETAFE STALLS
Getafe stayed in sixth place after drawing at relegation-threatened Alavés 0-0.
A late goal disallowed by video review kept Getafe from earning its second win since the league resumed after the pandemic stoppage.
Alavés also won only once after the break and is winless in seven straight league matches. It is four points above the relegation zone.
