Sevilla down Villarreal to remain in Champions League chase

Madrid - Sevilla moved back to within four points of Atletico Madrid in fourth place in La Liga with their third victory over Villarreal in 10 days, 2-0, on Sunday.

Second-half goals from Coke and Vitolo, who was called into the Spain squad for the first time on Friday, ensured a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions for Unai Emery's men, who are now six points clear of Villarreal.

The two sides had met in the last 16 of the Europa League with the holders progressing to the last eight 5-2 on aggregate.

However, it was Villarreal who enjoyed much the better of the opening 45 minutes on Sunday with Moi Gomez striking the bar and Nico Pareja clearing on-loan Arsenal forward Joel Campbell's goalbound shot off the line.

Yet, as in their European meetings, it was Sevilla who were more deadly in front of goal and went in front five minutes into the second-half as Coke collected Diogo Figueiras's pass and slotted in off the far post.

Vitolo then displayed the quality finishing that has caught Vicente del Bosque's eye with a cushioned volley past Sergio Asenjo from Coke's deflected cross.