MADRID (AP) — A decimated Sevilla let out more points at home, after equalizing 0-0 against Real Sociedad on Sunday to lose strength as second in the Spanish League.
The Andalusian team tied their third draw — the seventh in the last nine dates — to get 57 points in second place, nine points behind Real Madrid, which later faces Barcelona in the classic.
Sevillian concern also comes from looking down on the standings as they glimpse three points against Atletico Madrid — who beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Saturday — and six points against Barca, with the clash against Madrid pending for matchday 29 and another pending match.
Sevilla returned to activity after being eliminated midweek in the round of 16 of the Europa League by English West Ham.
Moments before the clash against Real, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou “Bono” was ruled out due to muscular discomfort.
The Moroccan goalkeeper joined a wide list of injured people throughout the season. Sevilla does not currently have Fernando Reges, Karim Rekik, Diego Carlos, Marcos Acuña, Alejandro “Papu” Gomez and Suso among the most prominent.
With the draw, Real came in sixth place with 48 points.
CÁDIZ COMES OUT OF THE DESCENT
Rubén Sobrino scored a goal at the start of stoppage time for Cadiz to beat Villarreal 1-0 to leave the relegation zone.
The win left Cádiz in 17th place with 27 units.
Meanwhile, the “Yellow Submarine”, who returned to the field after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Champions League, marches seventh with 45.
SPANISH, IN ASCENSO
Raúl de Tomás turned his 14th target of the championship in the 42nd minute to lead Espanyol's 1-0 win over Mallorca.
The Catalan team came 12th with 36 units. The Balearic team fell to the relegation zone, 18th with 26 points.
BETIS STUMBLES
Betis settled for the 0-0 draw on their visit to Celta de Vigo, a few days after being eliminated from the Europa League.
The Basque team closes the day outside the Champions League qualification zone, fifth with 50 units. The Celta ranks 11th with 36.