Villarreal seal Europa place

Villarreal sealed a spot in next season’s Europa League group stages with a comprehensive final day victory at local rivals Valencia.

Roberto Soldado handed Fran Escriba’s side the lead inside the opening minute with an emphatic finish, but Nani brought the hosts level nine minutes into the second half.

However, Los Che were level for only four minutes before Manuel Trigueros restored Villarreal’s lead while Nicola Sansone made sure of the points two minutes from time.

The victory guaranteed a fifth place finish for Villarreal, meaning they will not need to play any preliminary matches in next season’s Europa League.

It brought an end to a traumatic campaign for Valencia, with home fans thanking Coach Voro Gonzalez before and after the game for his work at the club – he will now be replaced by Marcelino Garcia Toral.

La Liga - Club News