Can Celta Qualify for Europe While Sevilla and Girona Ensure Safety in La Liga?

Synopsis
In an exciting round of La Liga matches, Celta Vigo strengthens its Europa League hopes with a narrow win against Real Sociedad, while Girona inches closer to safety after a crucial victory over Real Valladolid. Sevilla also secures a vital win, aiming to escape relegation. What does this mean for the teams as the season draws to a close?
Key Takeaways
- Celta Vigo's victory strengthens their Europa League aspirations.
- Girona's win pushes them closer to safety.
- Sevilla secures vital points to avoid relegation.
- Real Sociedad's European hopes are dashed.
- Upcoming matches could define the title race.
Madrid, May 14 (NationPress) Alfonso Gonzalez's goal in the 43rd minute secured a 1-0 victory for Celta Vigo against Real Sociedad, bolstering the visitors' chances of qualifying for the upcoming Europa League, while effectively ending Real Sociedad's hopes for European football next season.
Gonzalez was quick to respond in the Real Sociedad penalty area, nudging a loose ball into the net to earn three crucial points. A home win against Rayo Vallecano this weekend would conclude a remarkable season for the team from the northwest.
In another match, veteran striker Cristhian Stuani scored with just ten minutes remaining, leading Girona to a vital 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, who occupy the bottom spot in the league, as reported by Xinhua.
A shot from Aunar was tipped onto the bar by Girona goalkeeper Pablo Gazzaniga while the score was still tied, although Valladolid's Karl Hein made several key saves before Stuani's decisive goal.
After the match, Girona coach Michel Sanchez remarked that the three points were a significant step toward avoiding relegation, but emphasized that there is still work ahead.
Sevilla appears to be nearing safety after a tense 1-0 win at home against Las Palmas, who could find themselves five points adrift of safety if Alaves defeats Valencia on Wednesday.
Las Palmas relinquished possession to Sevilla during the first half, but Sevilla struggled to create opportunities until Garcia Pascual netted the only goal of the match just six minutes into the second half from a corner.
The visiting team attempted to equalize but lacked the necessary quality to find the back of the net, even after enduring 13 minutes of injury time.
Real Madrid faces a challenging matchup on Sunday against Mallorca with many key players unavailable; a loss would confirm Barcelona as this season's champion ahead of their match against Espanyol on Thursday.