Sevilla edge past Valencia as race for the La Liga title hots up

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Sevilla in the Chasing Pack

A second half goal from Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesryi proved decisive as Sevilla moved to within three points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Although Atletico still have a game in hand, Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keeping pace, hoping for a slip up from Diego Simeone’s side.

Sevilla beat Valencia after Youssef En-Nesyri’s 18th La Liga goal of the season ✅

They’re now just two points behind Barcelona in second ? pic.twitter.com/lEppiAZ736

— Goal (@goal) May 12, 2021

In a game devoid of a great deal of quality, it was En-Nesryi’s 18th goal of the season that made all the difference, the Moroccan international slotting home from eight yards out after midfielder Fernando slipped him in behind the defence.

One sides delight is another anguish, and defeat proved to be the latest step in a difficult season for Javi Gracia’s Valencia, who find themselves closer to the relegation zone than the European places.

This, their fourteenth loss of the season, is one more than last seasons tally, and even taking nine points from their final three games would leave them five points adrift of the points total that they managed last season, and would represent their worst league finish since the 2016-17 season.

Will Atletico slip up?

It has been a brilliant domestic season for Atletico Madrid, who are now three games away from their first La Liga title since the 2013-14 season. Thanks in no small part to a resurgent Luis Suarez, who has scored 19 goals since his move from Barcelona in the summer, Simeone’s side have shot to the front of the race for La Liga, taking advantage of some poor results from their rivals.

Sevilla edge past Valencia in race for La Liga title

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 27: Luis Suarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides fifth goal during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and Granada CF at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on September 27, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With fifth-placed Real Sociedad still to play, Atletico will be well aware that the title is far from secured. However, they are safe in the knowledge that they will definitely be participating in the Champions League next season, with the top four in Spain 18 points clear of fifth-placed Villareal.

With the top of the table so close, and so few games to play, the remainder of the La Liga season is one that you can’t take your eyes off for a second.