Sevilla safe despite Real Madrid defeat, Mallorca on brink
Real Madrid's French forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
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Vinicius Junior earned Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Sevilla on
Sunday in La Liga in the penultimate round of fixtures, but results elsewhere
mean the hosts have secured safety from relegation.
Levante earned a vital 2-0 win over Mallorca, who are 19th
and in grave danger, along with Girona, 18th after a 1-0 defeat at Atletico
Madrid.
Raphinha struck twice for champions Barcelona in a 3-1
victory over Real Betis at Camp Nou, meaning the Catalans have won all of their
home matches this season in the top flight.
Their rivals Real Madrid will finish the season without a
major trophy for the second year running, but produced a focussed display to
beat Sevilla.
After Kylian Mbappe complained midweek he had been told by
coach Alvaro Arbeloa he was Madrid's "fourth forward" after he came
on as a substitute against Real Oviedo, the French superstar started against
Sevilla.
Mbappe teed up his strike partner Vinicius to send Madrid
ahead in Andalusia, bringing down a cross which the Brazilian powered home.
Vinicius returned the favour in the second half but Mbappe
blazed over the bar when well placed.
Franco Mastantuono hit the post for the visitors from
outside the box as Madrid sought a second goal. Mbappe rounded the goalkeeper
and slid home but was offside and the goal was disallowed.
"Today it was Vini's turn to score, but Kylian did a great
job -- let's see if he has better luck next weekend," said Arbeloa.
"I'm very satisfied with all my players, with their
effort. We're aware that we haven't met our objectives (this season)."
In the capital, Atletico's Antoine Griezmann started against
Girona in his final match at the Metropolitano stadium before joining MLS side
Orlando City.
The French forward, Atletico's all-time top goalscorer,
arrived for the match visibly emotional.
Playing for the 500th time in Atletico colours, Griezmann
set up Ademola Lookman for the game's only goal.
"I always have to say goodbye to people I love. Now my
brother is leaving. Atletico Madrid's all-time top scorer... Thank you for
making us happy every day," said Atletico captain Koke.
"In the tough times, its always Antoine who appears and
puts a smile on our faces."
Griezmann's former club Barca also bid farewell to veteran
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in his final home game.
Lewandowski, who has won three league titles in four seasons
with the club, could not get a goal in his last game at Camp Nou.
Instead, Raphinha opened the scoring with a free-kick and
then slotted home a second.
Isco pulled one back from the penalty spot but Joao Cancelo
restored Barca's lead with a placed effort from outside the area.
"When I arrived in Barcelona I knew that this club was
big, however, thanks to your love it has been incredible," said
Lewandowski afterwards.
"Today I say goodbye to the stadium, but I will always
carry Barcelona in my heart."
Espanyol ensured their safety by beating Osasuna 2-1 to
record a second consecutive victory, after an astonishing 18-match run without a
win.
Alaves also secured their top-flight status with a 1-0 win
over already-relegated Real Oviedo.
Levante's crucial victory over Mallorca allowed them to rise
up to 15th and leave the islanders in the drop zone.
Carlos Espi's first-half goal divided the teams, who were
both reduced to 10 men after Johan Mojica pulled Roger Brugue's hair and he
lashed out in response.
Kervin Arriaga headed home Levante's second from a corner to
secure the points and give his side a good chance of beating the drop.
Mallorca face Oviedo in their final match but, even with a
win, will be left relying on results elsewhere going their way to survive.
Elche, 17th, defeated Getafe 1-0 to boost their hopes of
avoiding relegation. They will face Girona on the final day of the season in a
potentially decisive clash.
Valencia edged Real Sociedad 4-3 in a thrilling battle to
rise up to ninth, while Celta Vigo guaranteed they will play in Europe next
season with a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.
Rayo Vallecano fans gave veteran midfielder Oscar Trejo a
fond farewell in his final appearance at their Vallecas stadium as they beat
third-place Villarreal 2-0.
In the weekend's final match later Sunday, newly-crowned
champions Barcelona host Real Betis, who have already qualified for next
season's Champions League.

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