Moreno scores twice yet Villarreal draws with Osasuna

Gerard Moreno struck twice for Villarreal, yet they managed just a 2-2 stalemate against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday, failing to make the most of Espanyol's loss to strengthen their hold on fourth spot.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's team now lead fifth-placed Espanyol by eight points, following the latter's 2-1 home defeat to Alaves on Friday.

This result opens the door for third-placed Atletico Madrid to increase their two-point advantage over the Yellow Submarine when they face Levante later on Saturday.

For a brief period this campaign, Villarreal appeared close to challenging for the title, but back-to-back losses and a draw in their previous three league matches have cooled those hopes.

The experienced striker Moreno's double earned his team a gritty share of the spoils against Alessio Lisci's ninth-placed Osasuna.

"We aimed for victory, but we should be content, as we picked up a point following two matches without one," Moreno said to Movistar.

The 33-year-old Spanish forward converted a penalty to put them ahead, before Victor Munoz headed Osasuna even from a free-kick delivery.

Croatian forward Ante Budimir nodded in the hosts' second goal just before the interval at El Sadar stadium.

Skipper Moreno's deft header from a set-piece corner restored parity for Villarreal with 20 minutes to go, bringing his La Liga tally to seven for the season.

Table-toppers Barcelona have the opportunity to widen their lead when they travel to Elche later, while second-placed Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.