Villarreal are on the brink of securing a Europa League qualifying spot after thrashing rivals Athletic Club 5-1 at home in La Liga action.
The Yellow Submarine end the weekend with a strong cushion inside the top six, alongside Real Betis, with their visitors now five points adrift.
First half goals from Alex Baena and Nicolas Jackson set Villarreal on course, despite a Oihan Sancet penalty, just before the break.
Álex Baena with a beautifully curled free kick! 🎯
Unai Simon is left rooted to the spot as Villarreal take the lead 🟡 pic.twitter.com/z5JgcnrjzJ
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 13, 2023
Baena and Jackson repeated the trick after the restart, alongside a Aitor Parades own goal, in a major twist in the European race.
A second for Álex Baena and a fifth for Villarreal! 🔥
What a win that is for the Yellow Submarine 🟡 pic.twitter.com/R3ic83ph1c
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 13, 2023
Real Sociedad blew a chance to gain more ground in the Champions League zone, as the Basque side let a 2-0 half time lead slip at home to Girona.
David Silva scores! ⚽
It's now 2-0 to La Real with the midfielder tapping in 🔵⚪#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/pLEjl1jVJE
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 13, 2023
A point in San Sebastian keeps Girona in the running for Europe, and they are in pole position to claim seventh spot, and a place in the Europa Conference League.
Copa del Rey finalists Osasuna returned to league action with a win, as they stormed to a 3-1 victory over Almeria, and they could still challenge Girona.
A goal-filled second half sees Osasuna take home the points#OsasunaAlmeria highlights 👇#LaLigaTV | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/7psj2Crwjn
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) May 13, 2023
Images via Getty Images