Villarreal tightened their group on a European qualification slot as they beat Leganes after Sevilla were held by Deportivo on Tuesday.
The set of results means the Yellow Submarine, in sixth, have opened up a three-point gap to seventh-placed Sevilla, who could qualify for Europe courtesy of a Copa del Rey triumph.
Victor Ruiz gave Villarreal the lead against a resilient Leganes, poking home following a goal mouth scramble before Carlos Bacca’s effort ten minutes after the break doubled the lead.
The visitors managed just one effort on target throughout the entire match but that in itself was enough to set up a nervy finish, with Darko Brasanac reducing the arrears.
Villarreal remain sixth, one point of Real Betis – who have a game in hand – while Lega remain 14th.
