MADRID, Spain -- A second-half goal from Luis "Pizzi" Afonso earned Espanyol a 2-1 victory at Malaga in the Spanish league on Tuesday, while Elche held fourth-place Athletic Bilbao to a 0-0 draw. Cristian Stuani laid the ball off for Sergio Garcia to smash home an angled shot as Espanyol took the lead in the 32nd minute. Malaga levelled two minutes later despite Pablo Perez being offside when he collected the ball before lifting a shot over goalkeeper Francisco Casilla. Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero made a number of key saves but couldnt reach Pizzis winner in the 75th. Malagas rally was stalled when Perez was red carded moments later. "An important win for ensuring we stay up in the first division," Garcia said after Espanyol reached 40 points to go provisionally eighth. Athletic, which currently holds the final Champions League qualifying spot, provisionally stretched its advantage over fifth-place Sevilla to nine points. Sevilla hosts Real Madrid, which is looking to rebound from its weekend defeat to Barcelona, on Wednesday. Neither team dominated at the Elches Martinez Valero Stadium, with Bilbao coming close in the 16th when goalkeeper Manuel Herrera palmed Ander Herreras curling free kick over the bar. The hosts best chance came in the 72nd when Christian Herrera cut a shot back across the box but it ran wide of the far post. Elche moved three points clear of 18th-place Getafe and the drop. "The weather didnt help, the pitch didnt help, neither team played great," Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera said. "I think we could have offered a better performance." Atletico Madrid leads the standings with 70 points, the same as Madrid but it enjoys the tiebreaker. Atletico plays Granada on Wednesday, when Barcelona faces Celta Vigo. Defending champion Barcelona trails the two Madrid clubs by a single point going into the 30th round of games. Air Force 1 Sale . Numbers Game looks at the As getting Jon Lester from Boston, sending Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox along with a deal involving the As and the Minnesota Twins. The Athletics Get: LHP Jon Lester, LF Jonny Gomes, OF Sam Fuld and cash. Fake Wholesale Shoes . As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result. https://www.wholesaleshoesforcheap.com/air-max-95-sale/. Defenceman Tessa Bonhomme was among three players released from the team Tuesday morning along with defenceman Brigette Lacquette of Waterhen, Man. Yeezy 350 Sale . Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the Houston Texans No. 1 pick in the draft, was on the field Tuesday for the first time with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J. Wholesale Shoes USA . Although the deal cannot be made official until the free agent moratorium period is lifted on July 10, Patterson has agreed to a three-year, $18 million extension to remain in Toronto, sources confirm to TSN.HOUSTON -- Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan rejoined the Houston Astros on Tuesday as an executive adviser. Ryan worked as a special assistant to the general manager in Houston from 2004 until he became president of the Texas Rangers in 2008. He added CEO to his title with the Rangers in 2011 and remained in that position until he stepped down in October. Ryan will serve as an adviser to owner Jim Crane, general manager Jeff Luhnow and his son and president of business operations Reid Ryan. "Im very excited to be back with the Astros," the elder Ryan said in a statement. "Im happy to assist Jim, Jeff and Reid in any way I can. The Astros have a solid foundation with a strong farm system. I think the future is bright for Houston and Im looking forward to my involvement." The Astros have lost more than 100 games in each of the last three seasons, but their minor league system has been ranked among the best in baseball this off-season. Crane is glad to have Ryan back in Houston after his time with the Rangers. "We will use his experience, expertise and knowledge to improve the Astros in all areas," Crane said. "He will be an integral part of our managemeent team.dddddddddddd Nolan wants to be a part of our success moving forward." Ryan, who played for the Astros for nine seasons, is major league baseballs career strikeout leader and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999. "Nolan Ryans experience and insights will help us on the baseball side -- both in terms of decision-making and in maximizing the productivity of our players," Luhnow said. "Im fortunate as a general manager to get advice and guidance from great former players and Astros -- Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens and now Nolan Ryan." Ryan won 324 games and set records for strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (seven) in a 27-year major league career. He signed with the Astros in 1980 and helped them to their first post-season appearance that year and back to the playoffs in 1981 and 1986. Reid Ryan joined the Astros last season and is looking forward to working with his father. "The opportunity to work with my father is very special," he said. "Hes had success in baseball on many levels and will be a great addition to our organization." The team said Nolan Ryan will join the team at spring training in the next few weeks. ' ' '