MADRID: Valencia’s struggles to clinch a Champions League spot continued in a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.

It was the third straight match without a victory for Valencia, allowing fifth-placed Real Betis to continue to move closer in the fight for the final spot for Europe’s top club competition.

Betis, who have won six in a row, can get within eight points of Valencia if they win their game in hand at second-placed Atletico Madrid. Betis were 16 points behind Valencia three rounds ago. There will be four rounds left after this weekend.

Valencia haven’t played in the Champions League in two years, while Betis’ only appearance was in 2005-06.

The draw also hurt Valencia’s chance in the fight for second place with Real Madrid and Atletico. They are two points behind Real and five behind Atletico. Real’s match at Sevilla was postponed because Sevilla played Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Valencia played better then Celta at Balaidos Stadium in Vigo, being held back by a strong performance by Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.

Forward Santi Mina put Valencia ahead with a shot from inside the area in the 59th, but the hosts equalised four minutes later with a header by Maxi Gomez.

Barcelona have a 12-point lead over Atletico and can win their 25th La Liga title with a win at Deportivo La Coruna on April 29.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2018