Real Sociedad reach Europa League, Cadiz relegated
Real Sociedad beat Real Betis 2-0 yesterday in La Liga’s penultimate round of matches to clinch Europa League qualification next season at the expense of their opponents.
Cadiz, 18th, were relegated after they could not find a winner in a 0-0 draw against Las Palmas.
Villarreal forward Alexander Sorloth struck four times against champions Real Madrid in a thrilling 4-4 draw, while Barcelona secured second place with a comfortable 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.
With Real Madrid gearing up for the Champions League final on June 1, Carlo Ancelotti picked a side filled with reserves.
Turkish teenager Arda Guler put Madrid ahead and Joselu headed home the second after half an hour.
Villarreal hitman Sorloth pulled one back for the hosts but Madrid immediately restored their lead.
Lucas Vazquez added the third before Guler, 19, struck again with his sixth goal in seven games.
Sorloth headed in his second soon after half-time and swiftly completed his hat-trick.
The Norwegian put the finishing touch on a sublime team move to level with his fourth, and reach 23 goals for the season, making him the top scorer going into the final week.
Multiple reports before Barca’s match against Rayo
Vallecano said president Joan Laporta had decided to sack coach Xavi Hernandez, just weeks after the former Barca midfield great confirmed he would stay.
“Barca yes, Laporta no,” chanted some fans in response, although others whistled them with opinions split.
Robert Lewandowski fired Barcelona ahead early on before substitute Pedri doubled Barcelona’s lead after some fine footwork by Joao Felix.