Brazil striker Nilmar scored a first-half winner as Villarreal beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 on Thursday to stay just a point behind the Spanish league leaders.
Nilmar collected a pass from Angel Lopez in the 33rd minute and scored his league-leading fourth goal from a powerful shot that flew in off the post.
Villarreal’s third straight win gave them nine points — one behind leaders Real Madrid and Valencia — while Deportivo remain without a victory in four games. Defending champions Barcelona also have nine points.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Sevilla failed to join the leaders on 10 points following a 1-1 draw with Racing Santander.
Sevilla went ahead after 15 minutes when Alvaro Negrdo slotted home a penalty at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
However, Pablo Pinillos rifled a volley into the top corner in the 54th minute to spoil it for the Andalucians. Sevilla have eight points.
Elsewhere, Jose Rondon and Antonio Galdeano scored second-half goals to give Malaga a 2-0 victory at Getafe.
Malaga imposed themselves from the start and finally made the breakthrough with Rondon’s second goal of the season in the 55th minute.
Galdeano sealed it with a 62nd-minute penalty for the visitors, who played with 10 men from the 66th minute when Jesus Gamez was shown his second.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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