Atletico and Sevilla boost European bids

Sevilla held on for a 3-2 win over Villarreal in an entertaining match at the Sanchez Pizjuan, while Argentina forward Sergio Aguero struck twice in Atletico’s 4-1 win over mid-table Levante at the Calderon.

“These were some vital points against a very powerful rival,” Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano said in an interview with Spanish television.

Espanyol’s miserable recent run continued when they lost 1-0 atSporting Gijonand stay eighth on 45 points, while Villarreal, who are through to the semi-finals of this season’s Europa League, remain fourth on 57.

Carlos Marchena, who was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 85th minute, pulled a goal back 11 minutes after half-time before substitute Ndri Romaric restored the home side’s two-goal cushion in the 62nd.

At the other end of the table,Malagatook another step towards safety with a 2-1 win atRacing Santander, whileHerculessecured a potentially vital 1-0 win atDeportivo La Coruna.Getafe’s woes deepened when they lost 2-0 to Michael Laudrup’sReal Mallorca.

Barcelonamaintained their eight-point lead over Real Madrid at the top when they beatOsasuna2-0 at the Nou Camp on Saturday.Real, who secured their first King’s Cup since 1993 at Barca’s expense on Wednesday, routedValencia6-3.