MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid followed up its Champions League elimination with a 2-0 loss at Alaves in the Spanish league on Sunday, missing a chance to strengthen its hold on fourth place.
The defeat against 13th-place Alaves kept Atletico only three points ahead of fifth-place Athletic Bilbao in the fight for a Champions League spot next season. Athletic had been held to a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Granada at home on Friday.
Atletico failed to advance in the Champions League after losing to Borussia Dortmund 5-4 on aggregate following a 4-2 loss in Germany on Tuesday.
Alaves, which had lost three league matches in a row, won with goals by Carlos Benavídez in the 15th minute and Luis Rioja in second-half stoppage time.
In other results, sixth-place Real Sociedad was held 1-1 at midtable Getafe, while ninth-place Villarreal won 2-1 at last-place Almeria.
Leader Real Madrid hosted Barcelona in the final “clasico” of the season later. Madrid enters the game with an eight-point league lead over its rival.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
Xinjiang Story: Uygur Dancer Blends Folk Elegance with Modern Street Beats
'Chestnut Princess' Helps Rural Residents Promote Agricultural Products via Livestreaming
Pic Story of Raptor Rehabilitator in NE China
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Rural Entrepreneur Helps Farmers Live Better Lives
Cultural Relic Conservators Safeguard Ancient City's Glory
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
Interview: Hangzhou Asian Games one of the best events: Kuwaiti gold medalist
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
Swiatek beats Gauff to reach China Open final