As we expected it was a wild final day in Spain as Real Sociedad grabbed fourth place and a Champions League spot away from Valencia and Real Betis secured a Europa League spot. At the bottom of the table Celta Vigo pulled off a win over Espanyol that combined with Depor's loss, secured their place in La Liga for next season. Deportivo La Coruña, Mallorca and Real Zaragoza were all relegated.
La Liga Wrap: Real Sociedad finish fourth, Celta Vigo make the great escape
It was a crazy final day as Valencia had fourth place ripped away by the referee and stunning performance by Álvaro Negredo. At the bottom Celta Vigo’s win ensured that Deportivo La Coruña, Mallorca and Real Zaragoza were relegated.
Celta Vigo 1-0 Espanyol
Nacho Insa’s 14th minute goal was not only the lone strike of the match, it was the single most precious goal for Celta Vigo all season. Thanks to Depor’s loss against Real, Celta pulled off the final day great escape and will remain in the top flight next season.
Deportivo La Coruña 0-1 Real Sociedad
Antoine Griezmann’s 21st minute shot off the inside of the post gave Real Sociedad a win and moved them into fourth place, earning the Txuri-urdin a spot in next season’s Champions League. For Depor it’s a crushing blow as they were relegated to the Segunda División.
Depor had a chance late to save their season when Real’s Markel Bergara was sent off but they couldn’t find the goal they needed to survive.
Nolito and Youssef El Arabi gave Granada a final day victory and ensured that Getafe would not be able to sneak in and grab a possible Europa League spot.
Levante 1-1 Real Betis
Betis secured fifth place thanks to a 1-1 draw against Levante.
Mallorca 4-2 Real Valladolid
Mallorca were splendid on the final day but it wasn’t enough to keep them from being relegated. Alfaro, Jose Luis Marti, Giovani Dos Santos and Javier Moreno Marquez all scored for Mallorca.
An early red card shown to Aritz Aduriz opened the door for Rayo but they failed to completely step through it. Franco Vázquez put Ray ahead but Athletic answered back twice with goals from Markel Susaeta and Jon Aurtenetxe. Piti scored in the 55th minute to pull Rayo back even and earn a final day draw that clinched an 8th place finish.
Real Zaragoza 1-3 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid pulled away late from Real Zaragoza, ensuring the Blanquillos would be relegated. Arda Turan put Atleti ahead early but Hélder Postiga pulled Zaragoza back to 1-1. Diego Costa scored twice in the second half to ensure the victory for Atletico.
Sevilla 4-3 Valencia
Valencia went ahead in the 12th minute thanks to a stunning strike from Ever Banega but Sevilla roared back thanks to a magical four goal performance from Álvaro Negredo combined with a dubious red card decision against Jonas. Negredo’s first two goals put Sevilla ahead at halftime and the red card looked to have them in complete control. Valencia made it interesting for a few minutes though in the 55th minute when Roberto Soldado made the score 2-2. The lead didn’t last as Negredo added two more in response.
The loss dropped Valencia to fifth place and out of the Champions League next season.
More in Soccer:
See More:
