Summary Sevilla strengthened their grip on third in La Liga thanks to captain Vicente Iborra's hat-trick
MADRID (AFP) - Sevilla strengthened their grip on third in La Liga thanks to captain Vicente Iborra s hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Iborra was only brought on as a substitute at half-time by coach Jorge Sampaoli after his exertions as Sevilla booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw at Lyon in midweek.
However, he made an instant impact by heading home the opener from Pablo Sarabia s corner on 51 minutes.
The midfielder then broke clear to seal the three points six minutes from time before adding a stoppage-time penalty to round off the first hat-trick of his career.
Victory puts Sevilla five points clear of fifth-placed Atletico Madrid, who travel to Villarreal on Monday night, and four clear of Real Sociedad in fourth.
Sevilla are just a point behind Barcelona and seven adrift of league leaders Real Madrid after they were victorious against Osasuna and Deportivo la Coruna respectively on Saturday.
Espanyol will carry a nine-game unbeaten run in La Liga into their meeting with Barca in the Catalan derby next weekend after a 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon lifted them up to ninth.
Just two points separate sixth from 12th as Athletic Bilbao missed a chance to move into the top four with a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis thanks to Ruben Castro s early winner.
Basque rivals Eibar and Alaves remain locked in mid-table after a 0-0 at Ipurua stadium.
