Stuani's stoppage-time goal keeps Girona near the top of Spanish league

Sun, Mar 31, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

MADRID (AP) - Cristhian Stuani scored in stoppage time as Girona beat Real Betis 3-2 on Sunday to move closer to securing a top-four finish in the Spanish league.

The home win strengthened Girona's hold on third place. It's nine points ahead of fourth-place Athletic Bilbao and 10 points in front of fifth-place Atletico Madrid, the first team outside the Champions League qualification places.

Athletic visits leader Real Madrid later Sunday, while Atletico plays at midtable Villarreal on Monday.

Girona visits Atletico next weekend in a key matchup with eight rounds remaining.

The Catalan club, which is part of the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group, is trying to make it to the Champions League for the first time.

Girona twice relinquished leads against seventh-place Betis, but earned the victory thanks to Stuani's goal from inside the area two minutes into second-half stoppage time in pouring rain at Montilivi Stadium.

Artem Dovbyk scored the other two goals for the hosts, while Willian Jose got on the board twice for Betis, which saw its losing streak reach four straight league matches. Manuel Pellegrini's team has one win in its last eight games in all competitions.

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RELEGATION FIGHT

Celta Vigo and Rayo Vallecano drew 0-0 in Vigo in a match between relegation-threatened clubs.

The result left Celta in 17th place, immediately behind Rayo.

Celta sits three points clear of the relegation zone, while Rayo is five points from danger. Rayo has one win in 12 matches.

Celta complained about two calls that went against the team - the first on a goal called off because of a foul, and then for a possible penalty kick late in the game.

SOCIEDAD WINS AGAIN

Sixth-place Real Sociedad picked up its third straight victory by winning 1-0 at 13th-place Alaves.

Jon Pacheco scored the winner with a diving header in the 59th.

Alaves has one win in its last eight league matches.

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TALES AZZONI Azzoni is a sports reporter based in Madrid in charge of Spain and Portugal for The Associated Press. He has covered multiple World Cups and Olympic Games for the AP, as well as other major sporting events worldwide. "