Sevilla sink Espanyol to stay in race for fourth

Sevilla FC reignited their campaign to qualify for the UEFA Champions League with a 4-1 defeat of RCD Espanyol 4-1, hauling themselves within three points of fourth-placed Athletic Club.

Unai Emery's men had their six-game Liga winning streak ended by RC Celta de Vigo last time out but rediscovered their previous form to dispatch Espanyol. Stéphane Mbia powered in an 18th-minute header to put the Andalusian outfit ahead and Kevin Gameiro controlled a cross on his chest and volleyed in the dropping ball to make it two a minute before half-time. Sergio García's penalty halved the deficit after the restart, but Gameiro got his second six minutes from time, with Ivan Rakitić adding a fourth.

Meanwhile, Valencia CF's bid for a UEFA Europa League spot faltered in a 0-0 draw at Real Valladolid CF, while Málaga CF are up to 11th thanks to a 4-1 win against Granada CF – a pair of first-half Ignacio Camacho goals setting them on their way. Nordin Amrabat added a third from the penalty spot after the break and Juanmi rounded off the victory before Youssef El Arabi's consolation.

Also on Sunday, Elche FC returned to winning ways following a stretch of five games without a victory. Richmond Boakye scored in the 93rd minute to secure a 1-0 win against Getafe CF and send his side 14th.