Tweet
Sevilla lost 2-1 at struggling Real Valladolid in La Liga on Tuesday, damaging their push for Champions League football next season.
Diego Costa and Manucho scored either side of halftime with a header and sweeping finish after a counter-attack to reward a spirited display by the hosts.
Seven minutes from time, a stunning long-distance effort from Juan Cala dragged Sevilla back in the game and it took desperate saves from Valladolid goalkeeper Jacobo to deny Jesus Navas and Luis Fabiano in a nail-biting finish.
Sevilla remained fourth on 51 points, in the last Champions League qualification place, but could drop back if fifth-placed Real Mallorca get at least a draw at Real Zaragoza on Wednesday.
Leaders Barcelona, with 80 points, host Deportivo Coruna on Wednesday and would open a six-point lead over Real Madrid with victory. Their title rivals do not play in Almeria until Thursday.
Valladolid called in former Spain boss Javier Clemente as their third coach of the campaign last week to try and save them from relegation, and after a draw at the weekend he earned his first victory at the helm.
Clemente's side stayed 19th in the 20-team league, however, because 18th-placed Tenerife earned their first away win of the campaign, 2-0 at Sporting Gijon.
Alejandro Alfaro and Roman Martinez netted late goals at the Molinon to move the islanders on to 29 points, two short of 17th-placed Malaga and safety. Malaga visit Osasuna on Wednesday.
(Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Ed Osmond.
To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Powered by WizardRSS | Jobs at WizardRSS
