Atletico move into second with 3-0 win over Alaves
Last-gasp Valencia equalizer denies Sevilla top spot
MADRID, Dec 8, (RTRS): Atletico Madrid moved into provisional second place in La Liga with a 3-0 win over fourth-placed Alaves on Saturday to join leaders Barcelona on 28 points.
Nikola Kalinic, Antoine Griezmann and Rodri struck for Atletico in a tight battle against the high-flying Basques, with Diego Simeone’s side simply more point off the pace, travel to Valencia. Alaves remain fourth on 24 points, a place and a point ahead of Real Madrid who are away at bottom club Huesca.
Valencia 1, Sevilla 1 Mouctar Diakhaby’s stoppage-time header earned Valencia a 1-1 draw against Sevilla and prevented the Andalusians from moving provisionally top of La Liga on Saturday.
Pablo Sarabia’s 55th-minute strike appeared to have sent the Andalusians above champions Barcelona, who face Espanyol later, but the draw took them second on 28 points, level with the leaders and third-placed Atletico Madrid. A dull first half gave way to an exciting second with Tomas Vaclik making a good save to deny Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler.
Sarabia broke the deadlock with his fifth league goal of the season when he pounced to score from close range, after Wissam Ben Yedder’s effort was deflected into his path.
Ever Banega and Andre Silva hit the woodwork for Sevilla as they tried to stretch the lead but poor finishing meant Diakhaby was able to rescue a point for Valencia at the death as Vaclik misjudged Dani Parejo’s free kick.
Despite their equalizer, Valencia fans whistled their team at the end of the game, disappointed with their ninth draw of the season which left them 12th in the standings.