Sevilla cap magical week in style
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Article summary
Sevilla FC continued their march towards the UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 win against FC Barcelona, while Deportivo Alavés were relegated.
Article body
UEFA Cup winners Sevilla FC may not be defending their title next season if their march towards UEFA Champions League qualification continues. The Andalusian side defeated FC Barcelona 3-2 to move level on points with fourth-placed CA Osasuna, with both sides having one game remaining.
Kepa Blanco winner
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard rested most of his first-team players ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal FC, while the match was played in a carnival atmosphere following Sevilla's 4-0 win against Middlesbrough FC in Eindhoven on Wednesday. Daniel opened the scoring on 22 minutes and Aitor Ocio doubled the lead from the penalty spot two minutes later. Santiago Ezquerro and Sylvinho brought Barça level before Kepa Blanco scored the winner with 15 minutes left.
Alavés relegated
Tuesday matches
Villarreal CF defeated Real Racing Club Santander 2-0 to secure seventh place and a berth in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, while Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Betis Balompié shared a 1-1 draw. Relegated Cádiz CF signed off with a 5-0 win against bottom club Málaga CF, RC Celta de Vigo beat Getafe CF 1-0 and RCD Mallorca won 3-1 against Real Zaragoza. Three matches remain involving all of the top five. The UEFA Champions League picture will be finalised on Tuesday when Sevilla host Real Madrid CF and Osasuna travel to Valencia CF. Barcelona visit Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday.
