Athletic strengthen fourth spot, Granada win

Athletic Bilbao tightened their grip on fourth spot in the Primera Division with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe. Markel Susaeta hit the only goal of the game in the 39th minute, and although Athletic were easily the better side, they were unable to extend their lead. The win sees Ernesto Valverde's men move a step closer to UEFA Champions League qualification, while Getafe remain dangerously close to the relegation zone. Granada moved a step closer to securing their Primera Division status for another season with a 1-0 win over ten-man Elche at Los Carmenes. Yacine Brahimi's strike midway through the second half settled the contest in favour of Granada, who made it three home victories on the bounce following their successes over Villarreal and Real Betis. It could have been a more comfortable victory for Granada in the end but Fran Rico missed from the spot in the 73rd minute after visiting defender Cristian Sapunaru had been sent off for bringing down Youssef El Arabi. Fortunately for Rico, Granada were not made to rue that miss as they held on for a win that will further ease their relegation fears. Espanyol and Levante played out a goalless draw which suggested that neither of them will be in Europe next season. Both teams highlighted this as a game to win if a late run for a UEFA Europa League place was to materialise. However, neither was capable of getting a three-point haul and despite an entertaining start, the reality dawned after the break and the game finished goalless. Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano shared a 1-1 draw which does little to help either side in the fight to avoid relegation. The hosts took an early lead through a Jose Ze Castro own goal, but Alberto Bueno levelled things up with a goal against his former club before half-time. The result means Valladolid will end the weekend still in the drop zone, three points worse off than their opponents and with just one win in their last eight matches. Source: FIFA.com