Valencia misses chance to climb over Malaga

[Folami David]

Valencia missed a chance to climb above Malaga and Real Betis into fourth place in La Liga when they were beaten 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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Eliminated from the Champions League at Paris St Germain on Wednesday, the defeat dents the cash- strapped club's chances of securing a lucrative place in Europe's elite club competition for next season.
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Bilbao forward Iker Muniain clipped home a loose ball in the 80th minute to put the home side ahead at a vibrant San Mames stadium. Valencia substitute Roberto Soldado had a chance to level minutes later but somehow scooped the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
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The defeat leaves Ernesto Valverde's side in sixth on 42 points, one behind Betis and two adrift of Malaga, who occupy Spain's fourth Champions League berth. Bilbao, who have had a miserable season after reaching the final of the Europa League and the King's Cup last term, are 14th on 32 points.
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Real Madrid, on a high after securing a place in the Champions League quarterfinals by beating Manchester United on Tuesday, can climb above city rivals Atletico Madrid into second with a win at relegation-threatened Celta Vigo later on Sunday.
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Atletico, 14 points adrift of Barcelona after the leaders won 2-0 at home to bottom side Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, host Real Sociedad in the later kickoff.

[Shola Sholaz]

Valencia wasted a great opportunity that they would definately regret. Bad news for the fans