Morales hurts Sevilla's hopes

By Andy Hall

Sevilla FC missed the chance to tighten their grip on third place in the Primera División on Saturday when they were defeated 1-0 at home by CA Osasuna. But Club Atlético de Madrid and RCD Espanyol made up little ground in the race for a UEFA Champions League qualification place after playing out a goalless draw.

Morales volley
Sevilla started the game on 52 points and with the advantage of a home crowd. But it was visiting Osasuna who were to strike the decisive blow, Richard Morales connecting with Ludovic Delporte’s centre on 25 minutes to smash a volley past Antonio Notario. Sevilla upped their game late on but to no avail and could surrender their third place on Sunday should Villarreal CF, who have played two games less, defeat sixth-placed Real Betis Balompié.

Kameni stop
Atlético and Espanyol also failed to make much ground on the leaders as their match at the Vicente Calderón ended without goals. The home side were presented with the clearest chance of scoring when a penalty was awarded after Soldevilla had handled on the hour. However, goalkeeper Carlos Kameni superbly parried Fernando Torres’s spot-kick. Espanyol are sixth on 50
points while Atlético lie eighth with three points less.

Ungara on target
In Saturday’s late game, Real Sociedad de Fútbol damaged RC Deportivo La Coruña’s chances of clinching a European places with a 1-0 win at the Anoeta. Gari Ungara scored the game’s only goal on 16 minutes, launching himself to place a superb diving header past Gustavo Munúa. Depor are ninth with 46 points while La Real are three places behind in 12th with 42.