Alvaro Negredo scores four as Valencia finish fifth

Valencia have missed out on Champions League qualification after slipping to a dramatic final day defeat at Sevilla in La Liga.

The visitors got off to a terrific start in their chase for fourth place, taking the lead thanks to a fine individual effort from Ever Banega.

A tight match was then turned on its head before the break by two goals in four minutes from the home side.

First Alvaro Negredo arrowed an overhead kick into the bottom corner, before being presented with a chance to give his side the lead from the penalty spot.

Valencia forward Jonas was penalised for a late challenge and given a straight red card for his mistimed tackle, with Negredo making no mistake with the resultant spot kick.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Valencia restored parity on 57 minutes as Roberto Soldado found space to volley home at the far post.

Joy for the visitors was short-lived as Sevilla reclaimed the lead less than 60 seconds later, with Soldado applying the finish to complete his hat-trick.

Soon after three precious points for the home side were confirmed as Negredo met a cross from Ivan Rakitic to net his fourth goal of the match.

Valencia kept a dramatic match alive late on as Soldado scored his second to reduce the deficit, but Sevilla held firm to record a victory that helped Real Sociedad reach the Champions League qualifiers by finishing fourth.