Villareal produced their best result of the season to shock hosts and defending champions Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernebeu in a week 19 clash in the Spanish La Liga.
playmaker Pablo Fornals was the hero for the Yellow Submarines as he netted a sublime chip over Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas three minutes from time to hand his side a first away win at the European Champions.
The win means Villareal move within one point of Real Madrid in 4th spot to put themselves right back into the thick of UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification struggles while Madrid are all but out of the title race.
Madrid’s city rivals Atletico have moved to within six points of leaders Barcelona after a 1-0 at Eibar courtesy Kevin Gameiro’s 27th minute strike.
Valencia also closed the gap on Barcelona to eight points with a 2-1 victory over relegation threatened Deportivo La Coruna.
Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo scored either side of the interval to give Valencia a 2-0 lead before Florian Andone pulled one back for the hosts with two minutes left to setup a grandstand finish but Marcelino’s side to secure an important win.
In the last game on Saturday, bottom club Las Palmas received a thumping 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Girona with Kenyan international forward Michael Olunga netting a second half hattrick in addition to further goals from Cristian Stuani (penalty), Borja Garcia and Cristian Portu.
Week 19 Results (Saturday)
Real Madrid 0-1 Villareal
Girona 6-0 Las Palmas
Eibar 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Deportivo La Coruna 1-2 Valencia
Standings (Top 5) via Points:
1. Barcelona 48
2. Atletico Madrid 42
3. Valencia 40
4. Real Madrid 32
5. Villareal 31
