Villarreal thrash Levante to clinch Champions League place with flair

Villarreal were aware that victory would secure their position in the top four, and the Yellow Submarine began strongly by creating two excellent chances within the first 15 minutes.

To start with, Santi Comesana connected with the ball on the half-volley from the edge of the penalty area, yet it struck the crossbar, then Georges Mikautadze latched onto a delivery inside the 18-yard box from a set piece, but his shot sailed just over the bar.

The Georgian playmaker nearly scored again soon after, displaying superb ball control before unleashing a first-time effort that skimmed the left post by a matter of inches.

However, he soon found the net, as he pressed aggressively for a loose ball and forced Matias Moreno of Levante into an error at the back. The defender miskicked, enabling Mikautadze to finish coolly beyond Mathew Ryan.

Even though they trailed, Levante responded with fresh vigour after the break and equalised only five minutes into the second period, following a tidy sequence of passing that saw Pablo Martinez deliver a precise cross for Carlos Espi to nod in.

Marcelino’s team regained their poise, though, and regained the advantage shortly past the hour, as Alberto Moleiro surged along the left wing, moved inwards, and bent a sublime shot into the far bottom corner.

The home side then showcased superb fluid play once ahead, extending their lead when Nicolas Pepe advanced on the right and laid off for Mikautadze to convert his 11th goal of the campaign.

Momentum building, the Ivorian provided another assist in the 87th minute via a diagonal pass to Tajon Buchanan, who unleashed a magnificent strike from 25 yards into the top corner.

Levante unravelled completely, and Pepe added his name to the scoresheet in the 90th minute after stripping the ball from their rearguard once more, sealing a dominant display for the Yellow Submarine.

Villarreal’s delight at confirming a top-four berth might yet turn into third place, their best in La Liga since the 2007/08 season.

This joy highlights Levante’s woes, as they drop into the relegation zone, three points shy of survival, while rivals below have matches pending this round.