Roberto Soldado’s header just before the break was enough to earn Villarreal victory at Celta Vigo and keep their top ambitions on track.
The win was Fran Escriba’s side third league triumph in succession and enough to leapfrog Real Sociedad into fifth place and maintain the pressure on Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Soldado flicked a header home from Mateo Mussachio’s free-kick in the 45th minute – his second goal since returning to action last month following a knee-injury layoff.
The defeat ensures Celta remain stuck in mid-table ahead of next week’s trip to Galician rivals Deportivo La Coruna, with Villarreal next in action against Las Palmas on Friday.
