Real Sociedad have strengthened their hold on a Europa League spot with a 2-0 win over 10-man Elche in the Spanish league.
Aritz Elustondo put the hosts ahead in the 72nd minute and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed the victory in stoppage time to increase Sociedad's advantage in fifth place.
The Basque Country team opened a four-point gap to sixth-placed Villarreal and have a five-point lead over seventh-placed Real Betis.
Current Europa League finallists Villarreal host Celta Vigo on Sunday, while Betis host Granada on Monday.
Elche played a man down from the 11th minute when Raul Guti was sent off with a straight red card determined by video review for a hard foul on an opponent.
The loss left Elche closer to relegation. They remain second-to-last in the 20-team standings.
Australian Associated Press
