Week 22's final La Liga clash pitted Villarreal against Osasuna at El Madrigal on Monday evening.
The Yellow Submarine had the better of the first period, but had to wait until the early stages of the second to take the lead through Jeremy Perbet.
It was 2-0 less than 10 minutes later when Manu Trigueros found the bottom corner, before Perbet made it 3-0 late on.
Oriol Riera netted a late consolation for the away side, but it was too little too late.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 22 in La Liga comes to an end this evening as Villarreal welcome Osasuna to El Madrigal. Villarreal’s fellow top-four challengers – Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – both failed to win this weekend and therefore the Yellow Submarine will be keen to capitalise tonight. Osasuna, meanwhile, continue to look over their shoulder as the season gathers pace.
TEAMS:
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Gabriel, Dorado, Costa; Pina, Trigueros; Aquino, Gomez, Giovani; Uche
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Flano, Loties, Bertran; Lobato, Punal, Loe, De las Cuevas; Armenteros; Acuna
So there we have it. Still no Bruno or Cani for Villarreal, but Moi Gomez continues in midfield. As expected, Giovani dos Santos and Javier Aquino start in the wide positions. Osasuna, meanwhile, have former Barcelona B midfielder Cristian Lobato in their XI. However, leading scorer Oriol Riera is named on the bench.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches, with the further fixture ending in a draw. Villarreal were 3-0 winners in Pamplona earlier this season, but the points were shared in a 1-1 draw the last time the pair clashed in this stadium in April 2012.
Villarreal enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Valladolid last time out, with that result leaving them in fifth position in the table on 37 points. Victory this evening would move them to within three points of the top four and four points ahead of sixth-place Sociedad. These are the type of matches that will define their season.
The Yellow Submarine have been strong on their own patch this season with six wins, three draws and just two defeats from their 11 matches. They have also demonstrated their ability to win on the road with five victories, with only the current top three picking up more wins on the road.
Goals have not been too much of a problem for Villarreal this season with 39 in their 21 matches, with Ikechukwu Uche netting 12 of those. Osasuna, however, have struggled with just 18 strikes thus far. Down the other end, Villarreal have impressed with just 22 conceded, but Osasuna have conceded 34 times.
Osasuna, meanwhile, were heavily beaten 5-1 at home by Athletic Bilbao last time out. That result left them in 14th, but they have since dropped to 16th following results this weekend. As it stands, they are just two points outside of the relegation zone. Incredibly, just five points separate 18th position from 11th in the table.
Osasuna have also shown that they can win on the road this season with three victories from their 11 matches, but they have scored just eight times during that run of matches. Their home form has been disappointing, however, with just three wins from 10. There is no question that they are one of eight or nine teams in a relegation battle this season.
PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it difficult to make a case for Osasuna this evening. Villarreal have been strong on their own patch this season and I am not sure if Osasuna will have enough of the ball to really hurt them. For me, it will be a straight-forward 2-0 win for the Yellow Submarine on their own patch.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. Right, the home side get the action underway at El Madrigal.
Not a full house inside the stadium - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. Osasuna make the early running down the right with Acuna, but Sergio Asenjo is out to collect at the feet of the forward. Moments later, Villarreal settle into a passing pattern in their own half.
Jaume Costa attempts to force the issue for the home side as he drives down the left, but Damia is across to clear at the vital moment. Some nervy defending from Villarreal presents Armenteros with the ball down the other end, but his cross is into the arms of Asenjo.
It has been a positive start from Osasuna with the away side enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. Villarreal build from the back once more before Uche feeds Giovani on the edge of the area, but Acuna is on hand to perform his defensive work. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock at El Madrigal.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match comes to Villarreal as Giovani picks out Uche inside the Osasuna box, but the Nigerian can only plant his header high and wide of the crossbar. The Yellow Submarine have started to dominate possession of the ball in forward areas. Nine minutes played on this mild evening.
Osasuna just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Villarreal continue to force the issue by committing numbers forward. Giovani is again involved on the edge of the box as he turns away from Loties, but Flano is on hand to make a fine challenge. Moments later, Acuna wins a free kick from Mario down the other end to ease some of the pressure.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but Osasuna have quelled some of the early pressure. Just the one chance to speak of inside 13 minutes with Uche heading over the crossbar from close range.
A series of offside decisions and free kicks continue to harm the flow of the match with 15 minutes on the clock. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of fixture. Osasuna are having as much of the ball as the home side, but not in threatening positions.
Another half-chance for the home side as Trigueros finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Fernandez is on hand to make the save. Not too much from Osasuna in terms of an attacking threat, but they are playing some nice stuff in the middle of the park. Still goalless after 18 minutes at El Madrigal.
Uche remains the main threat for the home side as he continues to take up positive positions in the final third, but the service into the striker has been poor thus far. Down the other end, Acuna has been isolated for Osasuna. In truth, not too much happening at the moment with 20 minutes on the clock. Still goalless.
Another half-chance for the home side as Uche collects a pass from Pina before floating one towards the top corner, but Fernandez was always comfortable in watching it move wide of the post. The Yellow Submarine have moved through the gears in the last couple of minutes with Aquino testing the Osasuna goalkeeper with another low cross.
CHANCE! Couple of chances in quick succession for the home side. First, Giovani drives into the box and tests Fernandez from close range, before the Osasuna rises to his feet to deny a low shot from Gomez. Villarreal continue to impress as the first period gathers pace at El Madrigal.
Osasuna are struggling to keep the ball at the moment as Villarreal continue to push numbers into the final third. It is a surprise that Riera was not selected to lead the line for the visitors this evening. In truth, Acuna has struggled to influence proceedings thus far.
Villarreal continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Damia and Flano take it in turns to clear the danger. Osasuna must be credited for their defensive performance in the opening 29 minutes, but they continue to invite pressure.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to dominate possession of the ball, but Osasuna remain compact in defensive areas. You just get the feeling that Villarreal need a goal in order to settle those inside the stadium. There is a real sense of frustration. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It is almost like a training exercise for Villarreal as they continue to keep hold of the ball, but clear chances have been at a premium in the first 33 minutes. It has gone a little bit stale in the last few moments.
First half-chance for Osasuna as De las Cuevas finds some space outside the box, but his effort just deflects wide of the post. Moments later, Acuna's header tests Aquino from close range, but the Spaniard does manage to gather at the second time of asking.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Villarreal force another corner through Giovani moments later, but Damia is on hand to clear at the near post. Still goalless, but the intensity remains high.
Much better from Osasuna in the last couple of moments with the likes of Lobato, Punal and Loe seeing more of the ball, but clear chances have been few and far between. Uche's frustration continues down the other end as the Nigerian is ruled offside. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at El Madrigal.
Just a reminder that victory for Villarreal would move them three points off the top four, which would be an incredible achievement. In truth, a top-half finish this season would be impressive for the newly-promoted outfit. Osasuna will have other ideas, however, and they have grown into the latter stages of the first period.
Villarreal are forced into a change in the latter stages of the half as Uche limps off the field. The home side's leading scorer is replaced by Perbet, who himself has been among the goals this season. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as the first period enters its latter stages.
HALF TIME: Villarreal 0-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Villarreal have had the better chances, but neither has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. It is delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: The home side have had more of the ball with 58%, while they have had four attempts to Osasuna's three. However, Villarreal have tested Fernandez on three occasions. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with the referee issuing two yellow cards.
BENCH WATCH: Villarreal are without a number of their key players this evening and have already been forced into a change with Perbet replacing Uche, but they still have options in the shape of Jonathan Pereira and Juan Carlos. Osasuna, meanwhile, have the likes of Riera, Torres and Cejudo in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to claim all three points in this particular match. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway at El Madrigal.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect there will be alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Villarreal have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the half.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-0 Osasuna (Perbet)
First blood to Villarreal! The home side lead early in the second half as Perbet collects a deep pass from Costa before sliding his effort under Fernandez. Brilliant from the Frenchman.
Confidence from the home side as Gomez finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Osasuna attempt to break down the other end with Acuna, but once more the forward is left too isolated in the final third.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but Villarreal remain in control of the ball. You just get the feeling that another goal would kill this game off. Osasuna have really struggled to find the back of the net this season.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aquino finds some space inside the Osasuna box, but Loties is across to make a fine challenge. Aquino creates another opportunity for Pina moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Fernandez.
GOAL! Villarreal 2-0 Osasuna (Trigueros)
Game over?! Villarreal have their second of the match as Trigueros finds some space outside the box before firing his effort into the bottom corner.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aquino breaks into the box before rounding Fernandez, but the Osasuna stopper manages to make a fine save at the vital moment. It appears only a matter of time before the home side score their third at El Madrigal.
Osasuna make their first change of the match as Cejudo replaces De las Cuevas for the final 30 minutes or so. Acuna threatens for Osasuna moments later as he finds some space outside the box, but his effort is straight at Mario. One goal for Osasuna would certainly change the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Villarreal dominating possession of the ball. In truth, Osasuna have hardly threatened this evening. The home side have not had to move from second gear, yet lead 2-0. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at El Madrigal.
Half-chance for the home side as Giovani breaks down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Fernandez makes the save under pressure from Perbet. Gomez tries his luck moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. One-way traffic at El Madrigal.
As it stands, Villarreal will move three points behind Athletic Bilbao, who sit fourth in the table. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments as a series of fouls continue to interrupt the flow of the match.
Osasuna have started to threaten in wide positions with Lobato and Acuna twice delivering deep crosses into the box, but Mario and Costa take it in turns to clear the danger. There appears to be some movement on both benches as we approach the final 20 minutes of action in this La Liga encounter.
Osasuna look to their bench for the second time as Torres replaces Punal, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Osasuna have been much-improved since conceding the second, but Villarreal's intensity has dropped. I predicted a 2-0 score before the match and that looks good at the moment.
Giovani thinks he has the chance to score Villarreal's third as he advances into the Osasuna box, but the offside flag had been raised. Moments later, Villarreal look to their bench for the second time as Aquino is replaced by Jonathan Pereira.
CHANCE! Giovani again comes close for the home side as the Mexican finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the top corner, but his effort smashes into the side netting. Little under 15 minutes of this La Liga clash remaining at El Madrigal.
GOAL! Villarreal 3-0 Osasuna (Perbet)
Villarreal have their third of the match and Perbet has his second as the French forward arrows a powerful effort into the bottom corner following a smart pass from Gomez. Game, set and match.
That is the difference between Villarreal and some of the teams around them. In Perbet, Giovani and Uche, they have three strikers all in form. They make their third change moments later as Pina is replaced by Edu Ramos. Will it get worse for Osasuna late on?
It has been a professional performance from Villarreal rather than a particularly impressive one, but it is another three goals and another three points. Osasuna have played some nice stuff in the middle of the park, but have really struggled in the final third of the field.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities in the last couple of moments with Villarreal keeping hold of the ball. Just a reminder that this is a Villarreal XI without two of their best players, Bruno and Cani. They are real challengers for the top four this season there is no question about that.
Osasuna make their third and final change as their leading scorer Riera enters the field in place of Lobato. It was a surprise not to see Riera in the first XI. Villarreal control possession with little over five minutes remaining.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. End-to-end football as Gomez and Loe exchange efforts on goal, but neither comes close to adding to the scoring.
GOAL! Villarreal 3-1 Osasuna (Riera)
Osasuna score a consolation in the latter stages as Riera converts a low cross from Acuna. Surely it is too late to turn this one around.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their fourth as Gomez finds some space just inside the box, but his effort is straight at Fernandez.
Another half-chance for Riera as the Osasuna forward meets a cross from Flano, but his header is just high of the crossbar. Riera's involvement since entering makes it all the more strange that he did not start.
FULL TIME: Villarreal 3-1 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to an end with Villarreal claiming all three points with a 3-1 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
