Sevilla loses 2-1 to Leganes in Spanish league

MADRID (AP) - Sevilla lost 2-1 to Leganes in the Spanish league on Sunday, putting at risk its chances of securing a Europa League spot.

The loss in southern Madrid could drop Sevilla from fifth to seventh in the standings, the last qualification spot for the second-tier European competition. It has 45 points, one more than Villarreal and two more than Girona, which play later Sunday. Villarreal hosts Atletico Madrid, while Girona plays at Real Madrid.

Sevilla’s recent struggles in the league already left it virtually out of contention for a Champions League spot. It trails fourth-place Madrid by 12 points.

Sevilla was coming off a loss to third-place Valencia in the previous round. It stayed alive in the Champions League by eliminating Manchester United in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

Unai Bustinza put Leganes in front with a header in the 41st minute at Butarque Stadium, sending the ball over goalkeeper Sergio Rico after a pass by Nabil El Zhar across the penalty area.

Javier Eraso added to the lead for the hosts in the 69th with a shot from near the penalty spot after a low cross by Diego Rico. Sevilla’s lone goal was scored by Miguel Layun in the 90th.

Sevilla midfielder Pablo Sarabia was sent off in the 84th for a hard foul that prompted a second yellow card.

It was the second win in three matches for Leganes, which earlier had endured an eight-game winless streak.

Leganes was eliminated by Sevilla in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey last month.

Barcelona, which hosts Athletic Bilbao later Sunday, has an eight-point lead over Atletico at the top of the standings.

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