Sociedad strengthen Europa League spot

Madrid, April 27: Alexander Isak scored a first-half winner as Real Sociedad defeated Basque Country rival Eibar 1-0 to strengthen its hold on fifth place in the Spanish league. The win left Sociedad three points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis and four points in front of seventh-placed Villarreal with five rounds remaining. The teams finishing in fifth and sixth places secure a Europa League berth next season. It was only the second win for Sociedad in its last seven league matches. It was the fifth consecutive loss for last-placed Eibar, which is winless in 16 straight league games. It stayed seven points from escaping the relegation zone. Isak scored at Eibar’s Ipur a Stadium with a shot from close range in the 26th minute. Sociedad next visits Huesca, while Eibar hosts Alaves, another relegation-threatened team. Atletico Madrid, who have impressed throughout the season, recently saw a drop in performance and currently has only a two-point lead at the top of the standings. Barcelona can move to first place if it wins its home match against Granada on Thursday. Real Madrid are currently second. (AP)