Valencia overcome Eibar

Madrid, May 4: Valencia moved three points clear of Sevilla in the fight for the fourth Champions League place in La Liga with a comfortable 3- 1 win over Eibar on Sunday.

Nicolas Otamendi headed the hosts in front from Jose Gaya’s cross midway through the first- half.

Captain Dani Parejo then made the points safe for Valencia with a deflected effort just before the hour mark.

Paco Alcacer tapped home the third into an empty net after Xabi Irureta had made a fine save from Parejo’s freekick before Mikel Arruabarrena pulled a goal back for the visitors late on.

Valencia could still catch Atletico Madrid for the final automatic Champions League place in third.

However, they face a daunting trip to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend in a game that could also have serious repurcussions in the title race.

A 14th defeat in 16 games leaves Eibar just one point above the relegation zone.

Granada boosted their survivial hopes with a first victory in nine games thanks to a double from Youssef El- Arabi to win 2- 1 at Getafe.

Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano’s hopes of claiming the final European place in seventh both suffered a blow earlier on Sunday as they drew 1- 1.