The Athletic Club stumbled again in LaLiga EA Sports and could not get past the draw (1-1) against Mallorca at San Mamés, which continues to be embroiled in disputes among fans, while Sevilla surpassed Real Sociedad at Anoeta and in the standings. Meanwhile, Real Betis pushed UD Las Palmas into the relegation zone, tightening the race for Europa.
In Bilbao, both home and away teams once again dropped points as they have been doing in recent matches. Athletic seems to be struggling physically compared to the early part of the season, and Ernesto Valverde’s team was also keeping an eye on Roma, where the Cathedral’s fans will have to come together after a month of division.
The Basque team lacked spark with only one victory in four games, while the Balearic team did not rush to ignite the match. After a first half without much action, the game suddenly came to life when Nico Williams scored for Athletic, only for Antonio Raíllo to equalize for Mallorca moments later. With half an hour left, there were few chances and just one point to share.
Valverde’s side missed a chance to solidify fourth place after Villarreal’s defeat, as they remain at 49 points with a game in hand over the ‘Submarine’ (44). On the other hand, Jagoba Arrasate’s team, who are drawing frequently, stay at 37 points in their dream of reaching the European zone. Real Betis is putting pressure on from sixth place with 41 points, and the possibility of the fifth-placed team also making it to the Champions League is not ruled out.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team secured their fourth consecutive victory, sending UD Las Palmas back into the relegation zone. The Diego Martínez effect has long ceased to work, with Las Palmas suffering seven defeats and two draws in their last nine matches, plummeting towards the Segunda division. Their downfall continued at the Benito Villamarín with Diego Llorente’s goal in the 65th minute.
Unfavorable weather conditions in the first half did not help Las Palmas, who were confident in a challenging field. However, the match turned against the Canarian team with Dario Essugo receiving two yellow cards in less than ten minutes. Playing with ten men for half an hour, Las Palmas started to struggle.
Pellegrini added Abde and Sergi Altimira to Antony and Isco’s threat, but it was central defender Llorente who scored the 1-0 goal. Once again, despite late efforts, Martinez’s men failed to find the winning goal. McBurnie had chances, including a penalty saved by Cillessen in injury time, leaving Las Palmas just three points away from safety.
In the final match on Sunday, Sevilla continued their good form at the Reale Arena with Chidera Ejuke’s stunning goal in the first minute of the second half. Xavi García Pimienta’s team, seemingly enjoying their Sevilla project, thwarted Real Sociedad’s attempts with dangerous counterattacks and possession to deserve the three points.
The first half in San Sebastián was evenly matched, with a better start for a Real side in need of points in the league, but Sevilla gradually balanced the game. Isaac Romero had a clear chance before halftime, and after Ejuke’s goal, the youngster hit the post with a counterattack.
A crucial save by Unai Marrero denied Real an equalizer, with the home fans growing impatient due to their team’s physical and gameplay decline. Despite this, Imanol Alguacil’s team, who introduced Take Kubo to seek a goal, remain alive in the Copa del Rey and Europa League. However, in the league, they sit eleventh with 34 points, while Sevilla, with 36 points, remains confident in securing European spots as per international calculations for Spain.
FUENTE
