La Liga Saturday: Valencia and Real Sociedad get big wins

The race for Champions and Europa League spots got even tighter today as Real Sociedad and Valencia both picked up wins and dropped Malaga temporarily down to 6th place. Getafe pulled within two points of a European spot with their win over Athletic Bilbao.

Getafe climbed within two points of a European spot and continued Athletic’s miserable season with a 1-0 defeat of Los Leones. Borja Fernandez scored the only goal of the match in the 7th minute as he finished off a curling ball to the far post from Pedro León.

Despite plenty of chances from both sides, no one lese could find the back of the net. Getafe won’t mind though as their win keeps their hopes of playing in Europa next season alive.

Sociedad moved into 4th place (at least for the moment) in La Liga with a 4-1 hammering of Valladolid. Antoine Griezzmann scored a first half brace and Imanol Agirretxe and Xabi Prieto both added goals of their own. Javi Guerra added a late consolation goal from the visitors but by that point the match was decided.

Click the link to enjoy a full match report.

Valencia leaped back into a European spot with their 1-0 win over 10-man Real Betis. Antonio Amaya was shown a straight red after he pulled down Roberto Soldado in the 16th minute as he broke free on goal. Soldado took the penalty himself and beating Adrián to the bottom right corner. Valencia added a second goal late thanks to an own goal from Paulao and just for fun in stoppage time, Jonas added a third.

No matter what happens in tomorrow’s Malaga game, Valencia will end the week in either 5th or 6th place and in a Europa League spot.

• The greatest defender you’ve never heard of

• It’s rivalry week in MLS

• International squads trickling out for March qualifiers

• Coverage of the Premier League weekend

• Analysis of the Champions League quarterfinal draw