Sevilla unable to keep pace with Barcelona in Spanish league

Sevilla couldn't manage more than a 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad and lost ground to Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league.

The draw left second-place Sevilla four points behind Barcelona, which rallied to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. Barcelona also gained from a draw by third-place Atletico Madrid at Leganes on Saturday and a loss by fourth-place Alaves at Eibar on Sunday.

"We went after the three points from the first minute but we lacked accuracy in the counterattacks," Sevilla defender Daniel Carrico said.

"It's a pity we couldn't leave with the three points." Sevilla coach Pablo Machin was content with the away draw.

"I'm sure that by the end of the season there will be two teams fighting for the title and another very close to them," Machin said.

"Several teams will be fighting for fourth place and we are privileged to be in contention for these positions." Barcelona's city rival Espanyol has a chance to get within three points of the lead if it defeats struggling Athletic Bilbao at home on Monday.

Real Madrid moved from ninth to sixth after a 2-0 win against Valladolid on Saturday, but it remains seven points behind Barcelona.

Real Sociedad, 13th in the standings, hasn't won in five matches at its renovated Anoeta Stadium.

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