MADRID, Feb 8: Athletic Bilbao moved closer to the European qualification places in the Spanish league after beating Espanyol 2-1 on Monday.
Oihan Sancet and Iñigo Martínez scored in the first half to lead Athletic to the home victory that left it one point behind seventh-placed Real Sociedad. Athletic was four points behind fourth-placed Barcelona in the final Champions League spot.
It was the second consecutive league win for Athletic, which last week eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. It will host Valencia on Thursday in the first leg of the semifinals.
Espanyol, which took the lead with a goal by Tonny Vilhena in the third minute at San Mamés Stadium, stayed 13th in the league standings. It hasn’t won five straight games in all competitions, including the last four in the league.
Real Madrid lead the standings, having secured 53 points from 23 matches while Sevilla are a close second with 47 points. They have played the same number of matches as the leaders.
In third is Real Betis with 40 points followed by Barcelona, that have only recently found form, with 38 points but have played one match lesser than the top three teams. (AP)
