Atletico Madrid seal UEFA Champions League spot with win over Elche

 

Atletico Madrid secured a UEFA Champions League place when they defeated Elche 2-0 on Wednesday night. It is the tenth consecutive season they will qualify.

Situated in third, the capital club have sixty-seven points with two games left in the season while being closely trailed by Sevilla, who are a point behind in fourth.

Elche, on their own part, are in 14th with 39 points but are not assured of safety yet, with Mallorca in 18th having 33 points meaning a win in their last two matches can put Elche in a relegation scare if they lose both of theirs.

Manager Diego Simeone showed his satisfaction with the qualification to the European competition, stating that his team reached the objective.

“I am happy above all for the footballers that played an irregular season, with a Champions League in which we competed very well and a league in which we lacked consistency until we reached the league of 14 matches. We reached the objective. I think it’s been the result of work, something we deserved and that we have achieved for another year.” Simeone said.

On Wednesday evening, they failed to secure their La Liga spot for the next season after losing 2-0 at home to Diego Simeone’s men.

Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the game, while Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute of the encounter.

While Atletico Madrid can still finish second, it will only happen if Barcelona loses their last two matches of the season.

Sevilla are in fourth after a 0-0 scoreline with Mallorca, while Alaves beat Espanyol 2-1 to keep their faint chances of survival alive. Osasuna and Getafe played a 1-1 draw.

On Thursday, Real Sociedad will host Cadiz while Rayo Vallecano will welcome Villarreal, and champions Real Madrid will host Levante.

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu