Villarreal are just two points behind troubled Real Madrid after thumping lowly Levante 3-0 yesterday.
The Yellows are fourth, 11 points above fifth-placed Celta Vigo, and now only two behind third-placed Real Madrid, who crashed 1-0 at home to neighbours Atletico Saturday.
Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia has always said his objective was to clinch fourth place, and thus enter the play-offs for next season’s Champions League. However, third place - and direct access to the elite competition - is now a possibility, given Real’s poor form.
Villarreal went into the game in good heart after Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Napoli which took them into the round of 16 of the Europa League.
Against feeble Levante, Leo Baptistao, Samuel Castillejo and Adrian Lopez scored for Villarreal, who have not conceded a goal in five league games - a new club record.
“We are actually above our own objectives now,” Villarreal’s Marcelino said.
“To finish third would be wonderful. But we’re not getting to get too excited about it, we’re just going to take this thing one game at a time.”
Levante had veteran defender David Navarro sent off, and he will miss Wednesday’s home game against Real Madrid.
“Absolutely nothing went right for us today, nothing at all. We made things very indeed for Villarreal,” said Levante coach Rubi, whose team are joint bottom on 20 points with Granada.
Later Sunday, Athletic Bilbao cruised up to seventh with a 3-0 romp at troubled Valencia, who are 12th.
Valencia went into the game in good spirits after four straight wins in all competitions, but Bilbao looked stronger in the second half and won thanks to a seven-minute blitz which saw goals from Sabin Merino, Iker Muniain and Aritz Aduriz.
The win will fill Bilbao with optimism ahead of their Europa League clashes with Valencia.
Later Sunday, Deportivo La Coruna were to host lowly Granada then leaders Barcelona were to face Sevilla, who are the last team to have beaten them.