Villarreal held by Oviedo as Sevilla slip closer to relegation zone

MADRID: Villarreal edged nearer to securing third place in La Liga after being held to a 1-1 draw by Real Oviedo on Thursday, while Sevilla’s latest defeat left them hovering just above the relegation places.

Villarreal appeared set to take all three points after Nicolas Pepe converted a first-half penalty, a result that would have moved them seven points clear of Atletico Madrid. However, Ilyas Chaira struck in the second half to earn Oviedo a share of the points.

The draw took Villarreal to 62 points, leaving them five points ahead of fourth-placed Atletico, who have now lost four straight league matches. Oviedo, who had been aiming for a third consecutive win, stayed at the bottom of the table and remain six points from safety.

Pepe penalty cancelled out by Chaira

Former Arsenal winger Pepe made the breakthrough in the 13th minute after winning a penalty himself and then converting it to put Villarreal ahead.

Oviedo drew level in the 69th minute when Chaira’s effort took a heavy deflection, giving goalkeeper Arnau Tenas no chance of keeping it out.

Villarreal nearly snatched victory in the closing stages, but Ayoze Perez saw his attempt strike the bar and bounce away from the goal-line inside the final 10 minutes.

Sevilla dragged deeper into trouble

Earlier in the day, Sevilla suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Levante, a result that intensified their relegation concerns.

Ivan Romero put the home side ahead in the 38th minute and added another late in the match to seal the win for Levante, who are 19th in the standings.

Sevilla are now 17th, only one point above Alaves, who occupy the final relegation place. The victory lifted Levante to 32 points, leaving them two points behind Sevilla and the safety line.

Rayo earn late win over Espanyol

Rayo Vallecano also boosted their position with a narrow 1-0 home victory against Espanyol.

Sergio Camello scored in the 87th minute to give Rayo the win, moving them onto 38 points and up to 11th place. Espanyol are one spot below them on goal difference.

Real Madrid seek to cut Barcelona’s lead

On Friday, Real Madrid will try to reduce the gap, at least temporarily, to La Liga leaders Barcelona when they travel to face Real Betis.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side are nine points behind Barcelona and know that a win at the start of the round could increase the pressure on their rivals. The match comes a day after news that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of the season because of a hamstring injury.