Strange days on Spanish shores: Valencia get a rare win and Atletico lose to relegated Elche

Valencia snatched a late 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo to climb provisionally to 14th, three points above the relegation zone. It was a dramatic win achieved with just two minutes remaining - and it was a desperately under-used backup player Albert Mari who scored the crucial header.

Mari needed just ten minutes on the pitch to repay coach Ruben Baraja his trust. Valencia took the lead through Justin Kluivert early on, but Haris Seferovic levelled for the Galician team on the hour mark.

The scene was set for unlikely hero to apply his golden touch and give the struggling Spanish giants a path to safety.

Later on Sunday, Atletico Madrid fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at relegated Elche, confirming that Diego Simeone's side are no longer mathematically in contention to win La Liga.

Leaders Barcelona can win the title later on Sunday with a win at city rivals Espanyol and Atletico, third, can no longer catch them.

Atletico, who have been in sensational form since the World Cup, were inexplicably blunt against bottom-of-the-table Elche, who earned only their fourth win of the season.

Fidel Chaves broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, when Atletico goalkeeper Ivo Grbic badly flapped at a throw-in, leaving the winger with an open goal

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 34

Friday

Mallorca - Cadiz 1-0 (1-0)

/Maffeo 16/

Saturday

Sociedad - Girona 2-2 (0-0)

/Oyarzabal 5 pen, Silva 24 - Couto 37, Stuani 45+3/

Osasuna - Almeria 3-1 (0-0)

/Budimir 46, Ezzalzouli 51, Gomez 81 - Lazaro 90+2/

Villareal - Ath.Bilbao 5-1 (2-1)

/Baena 24, 90, Jackson 37, 50, Paredes 61 - Sancet 45+3 pen/

Real Madrid - Getafe 1-0 (0-0)

/Asensio 70/

Sunday

Celta Vigo - Valencia 1-2 (0-1)

/Seferovic 60 - Kluivert 8, Mari 88/

Elche - Atletico Madrid 1-0 (1-0)

/Fidel 41/

Valladolid - Sevilla in progress

22.00: (5.30) Espanyol (3.60) Barcelona (1.73)

Monday

22.00: (1.99) Betis (3.50) Rayo Vallecano (4.40)

***odds are subject to change***