Madrid: Atletico Madrid’s faint hopes of chasing down runaway Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a fresh blow Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Girona, meaning they could fall 11 points adrift if the Catalans beat Real Betis.
Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella earned his first win in La Liga at the third attempt earlier Saturday as his impressive side secured a 3-0 win at Espanyol to go fifth in the standings.
Valencia succumbed to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Las Palmas as the visitors finished the game with nine men. Gabriel Paulista was shown two yellow cards in quick succession and fellow defender Ruben Vezo was also sent off.
Villarreal provisionally knocked champions Real Madrid out of the top four after beating Levante 2-1 to go fourth.
Atletico are second in the standings on 43 points after 20 games, Valencia are third on 40 and Villarreal fourth on 34. Barca are top with 51 and have played one game fewer, while Real have 32 points after 18 games.
Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann capitalised on a cushioned Diego Costa header to volley them ahead in the 34th minute, but Liga debutants Girona restored parity through striker Portu in the 73rd minute.
Valencia marched into an early lead at Las Palmas through Santi Mina but Jonathan Viera struck the equaliser in the 20th minute and Jonathan Calleri put the home side ahead from the spot in the 53rd minute after Paulista was dismissed for a handball.
Goals from Franco Vazquez, Pablo Sarabia and Luis Muriel helped Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella earn his first win in La Liga.
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