Getafe’s sixth win in 8 matches boosts European hopes

Getafe boosted its chances of playing in Europe next season after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home on Sunday for its sixth win in its last eight Spanish league matches.

Luis Vazquez scored in the 14th minute and Martin Satriano sealed the victory in the 90th to keep Getafe in eighth place with 41 points, level with seventh-placed Real Sociedad and three points ahead of ninth-placed Espanyol.

Under one scenario, Spain could end up with as many as 10 places in European competitions next season, depending on how Spanish teams finish this season in Europe.

Getafe’s only setbacks recently were 1-0 losses to Sevilla at home and to Atletico Madrid away.

Athletic, meanwhile, has lost four of its last five games in all competitions and has only one victory — 2-1 against Real Betis in the league before the international break - in its last six games.

One of its losses came in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Basque Country rival Real Sociedad last month. Athletic dropped to 10th.

Celta winsCelta came from behind to beat Valencia 3-2 on the road.

The victory ended Celta’s three-game winless streak in the league and left the club in sixth place. The top four are guaranteed Champions League spots with the fifth team also set to qualify. Betis, currently sitting fifth, drew 0-0 with Espanyol at home on Saturday.

Ilaix Moriba, Fer Lopez and Williot Swedberg scored for Celta in the second half after Guido Rodriguez had put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute. Rodriguez scored Valencia’s second goal in second-half stoppage time.