Chelsea extend lead with victory

London, April 26

Buoyant Chelsea extended their Premier League lead and calmed nerves at Stamford Bridge with a 4-2 win over Southampton on Tuesday that moved them seven points clear of their nearest pursuers Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Eden Hazard, captain Gary Cahill and two from a buzzing Diego Costa ensured Chelsea stayed on course for the double after they beat Tottenham by the same score in their FA Cup semifinal at Wembley on Saturday.

The victory pushed Chelsea on to 78 points after 33 games and exerted more pressure on second-placed Spurs, who must win a potentially awkward London derby at Crystal Palace on Wednesday to restore the gap to four points.

“We had a really important psychological test and our answer was good,” manager Antonio Conte said. “We have reached the final of the FA Cup but the other competiton is totally open. But we fight until the end.” 

Conte juggled his team again on Tuesday starting with Costa and Hazard, who came off the bench at Wembley, and his tactics were rewarded. — Reuters

Villarreal stun Atletico

madrid: Atletico Madrid suffered a first defeat in 13 games in all competitions as they lost 1-0 at home to Villarreal on Tuesday after a late strike from substitute Roberto Soriano. Atletico remain third in the standings although Sevilla can move level with them on 68 points in the last automatic Champions League spot if they beat Celta Vigo on Thursday. Villarreal are fifth on 60 points and are the only team to beat Atletico home and away this campaign.