La Liga Roundup, May 8
European League Coverage
Atletico's win at Espanyol's Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium strengthened its hopes of a first appearance in the Champions League since 1997 and boosted the chances of its Mexican coach Javier Aguirre remaining in charge for a third season.
Atletico has 61 points with two matches of the season remaining. FC Barcelona is third with 64, while Sevilla is fifth, with 58. The top four teams will compete in Europe's top club competition next season.
Already certain of a Champions League berth are recently proclaimed champion Real Madrid, which has 81 points, and runner-up Villarreal, with 71.
Aguero opened the scoring in the 27th minute when he stabbed the ball into the roof of the net from close range for his 18th goal of the season.
Forlan took advantage of a weak punch by Espanyol goalkeeper Inaki Lafuente to fire his 15th of the season three minutes later.
Espanyol's best opportunity to score was when striker Luis Garcia hit the post in the 81st minute. The defeat extended Espanyol's winless streak to eight matches and left the team in 11th place with 48 points.
On Wednesday, Madrid celebrated its 31st title with a 4-1 victory over archrival Barcelona.
Barcelona responded Thursday by announcing that coach Frank Rijkaard would be replaced by reserve team coach Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.
Also Wednesday, it was: Racing Santander 0, Sevilla 3; Valencia 1, Zaragoza 0; Getafe 4, Almeria 2; Recreativo Huleva 0, Villarreal 2; Real Betis 1, Valladolid 1; Mallorca 2, Osasuna 1; Deportivo La Coruna 1, Levante 0; and Murcia 1, Athletic Bilbao 2.
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