Deportivo La Coruna secured their La Liga safety with one match remaining after a hard-fought scoreless draw at Villarreal.
Pepe Mel’s side have secured only one victory from their last ten outings and had been sliding dangerously close to the drop.
Depor now cannot be caught by 18th-placed Sporting Gijon who despite being only three points worse off have an inferior head-to-head record this season.
Villarreal dominated this match with 14 efforts to just the one from the Galicians but a combination of wayward finishing and a strong goalkeeping performance from German Lux was enough to keep them out.
The Yellow Submarine remain fifth in the table but this result could yet prove damaging – it ensures they can no longer catch 4th-placed Sevilla while they could yet slip out of the top six altogether, with Basque duo Athletic Club and Real Sociedad both only a point behind.
That would mean no European football for Fran Escriba’s side next season and must now win at Valencia on the final day to ensure it.
Depor host out-of-form Las Palmas but will be relieved at their low-key salvation.
