Sevilla strike late to boost survival hopes, Celta edge Atletico

TL;DR

Sevilla secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Espanyol, boosting their survival hopes in La Liga. Celta Vigo also won 1-0 against Atletico Madrid, keeping their Champions League ambitions alive.

Key points

Sevilla won 2-1 against Espanyol.
Celta Vigo defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0.
Sevilla is now 12th in La Liga, three points above relegation.
Celta Vigo is pushing for a Champions League spot.
Espanyol is without a win in 18 league matches.

SevillaEspanyolCelta VigoAtletico Madrid

Celta Vigo's Spanish forward Borja Iglesias celebrates scoring his team's goal at Atletico Madrid on Saturday (Javier SORIANO) (Javier SORIANO/AFP/AFP) Akor Adams snatched Sevilla a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday to increase their chances of avoiding relegation. Celta Vigo earned a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid to keep their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League alive, which were further boosted by Real Betis's 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad. Nigeria forward Adams's 91st minute strike propelled record seven-time Europa League winners Sevilla provisionally up to 12th, three points clear of the relegation zone. Espanyol, now without a win in 18 league matches -- all of 2026 to date -- sit 15th, two points above the drop zone, after a bad-tempered match with 10 yellow cards. Tyrhys Dolan slammed home for Espanyol early in the second half at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, before the hosts hit back. Sevilla defender Andres Castrin scored to level in the 82nd minute with the help of some poor handling by Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. In stoppage time Adams pounced on a loose ball and produced a clinical finish to secure a crucial victory for Luis Garcia Plaza's team. "This comeback, I think it brings us closer, closer to what we've been looking for," Castrin told Movistar. "It was essential to win here today, to get the three points with these wonderful people (the fans). "Thanks to them -- they have lifted us, have carried us, and you could really feel the atmosphere, how it influenced those final minutes when the goal comes at the end." Earlier , 18th and one point from safety, drew 1-1 against , 13th, who are not yet safe from the spectre of relegation either. At Atletico's Metropolitano stadium Borja Iglesias scored a fine goal for Celta, sixth, to help them keep pressure on Real Betis, fifth. The hosts, with nothing left to play for this season after Champions League semi-final elimination by this week, are fourth and already assured of playing in that competition again next season. It was confirmed earlier this week that five Spanish sides will qualify for the Champions League from La Liga, guaranteeing Atletico a spot.

Q&A

How did Sevilla's recent win affect their relegation status?

Sevilla's 2-1 victory over Espanyol moved them to 12th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.

What was the significance of Celta Vigo's win against Atletico Madrid?

Celta Vigo's 1-0 win helped them maintain pressure for a Champions League spot, moving them closer to Real Betis.

What impact did Borja Iglesias have on Celta Vigo's match?

Borja Iglesias scored the only goal in Celta Vigo's 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.

What are the current standings for Espanyol after their loss to Sevilla?

Espanyol remains in 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone, and has not won in 18 league matches.