Mbappe off as Real Madrid win in La Liga

MADRID: Real Madrid remains four points behind La Liga leader FC Barcelona after the 31st round of matches following a 1-0 away win against Deportivo Alaves.

Eduardo Camavinga scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute, but the game is more likely to be remembered for the red card shown to Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe four minutes later for a reckless challenge on Alaves' Angel Blanco.

The game became 10 against 10 in the 70th minute when Alaves' Manu Sanchez was sent off for a high challenge on Vinicius Jr.

Villarreal took a significant step towards playing in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 away win against Real Betis.

Aitor Ruibal put Betis ahead in the third minute, but Villarreal turned the score around with goals from Thierno Barry and former Betis striker Ayoze Perez. Villarreal then defended resolutely to keep Betis at bay.

Villarreal remains six points behind Athletic Bilbao after Oihan Sancet helped inspire a second-half comeback against Rayo Vallecano for a 3-1 win.

Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde didn't start Sancet and other key players for next Thursday's Europa League tie at home to Glasgow Rangers. Rayo led at halftime through Pathe Ciss, who scored on the rebound after goalkeeper Unai Simon had saved a penalty.

Sancet came on as a second-half substitute and equalized from a penalty. Nico Williams then put Athletic ahead with a curling shot after a corner, and Sancet added a third with a spectacular curling shot in injury time.

Goals from Ante Budimir and Pablo Ibanez gave Osasuna its first win since the start of February with a 2-1 triumph over Girona, whose late consolation came through Yaser Asprilla.

The win virtually ends any relegation fears Osasuna had, but leaves Girona just five points above the bottom three.