Real Sociedad seals Champions League place, Espanyol relegated

Imanol Alguacil’s side reached Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2013 as Villarreal slipped up against Rayo Vallecano to ensure the Basque club finishes fourth.

Real Sociedad players celebrate after securing a Champions League berth for the 2023/24 season. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Real Sociedad fell to a 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Sunday but still sealed qualification for next season’s Champions League after Villarreal was beaten 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano.

Imanol Alguacil’s side reached Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2013 as the Yellow Submarine’s slip-up at Vallecas ensured the Basque club finishes fourth.

Espanyol was relegated from the top flight after Valencia’s Samuel Lino struck a stoppage time equaliser in a gripping 2-2 draw.

One other side will go down along with already-relegated Elche on the final day of the season, with Real Valladolid currently 18th, a point from safety, after it drew 0-0 at Almeria.

Antoine Griezmann and Nahuel Molina struck for Atletico in the win over Real Sociedad, which struggled to create much of note, perhaps aware of Villarreal’s struggles.

Eventually Alexander Sorloth pulled one back for the visitors at the Metropolitano to give them something to celebrate as they achieved their goal.

Victory leaves Atletico third, a point behind Real Madrid.

Raul de Tomas and Isi Palazon netted for Rayo against Quique Setien’s side, which pulled a late goal back through Giovani Lo Celso, but could not turn the game around.