MADRID (AP) — Alexander Isak scored a first-half winner as Real Sociedad defeated Basque Country rival Eibar 1-0 to strengthen its hold on fifth place in the Spanish league on Monday.
The win left Sociedad three points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis and four points in front of seventh-placed Villarreal with five rounds remaining. The teams finishing in fifth and sixth places secure a Europa League berth next season.
It was only the second win for Sociedad in its last seven league matches.
It was the fifth consecutive loss for last-placed Eibar, which is winless in 16 straight league games. It stayed seven points from escaping the relegation zone.
Isak scored at Eibar’s Ipurúa Stadium with a shot from close range in the 26th minute.
Sociedad next visits Huesca, while Eibar hosts Alavés, another relegation-threatened team.
Atlético Madrid has a two-point lead at the top of the standings. Barcelona can move to first place if it wins its home match against Granada on Thursday.
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