<p>MADRID — Sevilla defeated Celta Vigo 4-3 in a back-and-forth match in the Spanish league on Monday, strengthening its hold on fourth place and moving within range of leader Atlético Madrid.</p>
<p>The away victory gave Sevilla a 14-point gap over both fifth-place Real Sociedad and sixth-place Real Betis, practically securing the team the final qualification spot for the Champions League with nine rounds remaining. </p>
<p>The win also put Sevilla six points points from Atlético, which has stumbled at the top recently. Julen Lopetegui’s team is four points behind third-place Barcelona and five from second-place Real Madrid. Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 on Saturday, while Atlético drew 1-1 at Betis on Sunday for its second consecutive setback.</p>
<p>Sevilla was coming off a 1-0 home win against Atlético. Next Sunday it visits Sociedad.</p>
<p>Celta, which was seeking its second win in a row in the league, stayed in 10th place. </p>
<p>Sevilla opened the scoring with a goal by Jules Koundé less than 10 minutes into the match, but the hosts went ahead with a pair of goals by striker Iago Aspas in the 20th and 23rd minutes.</p>
<p>Fernando equalized for Sevilla in the 35th and Brais Méndez put Celta ahead again near halftime. The visitors rallied in the second half with a goal by Ivan Rakitic in the 60th and another by Papu Gómez in the 76th.</p>
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