Villarreal closes in on Champions League spot

MADRID, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Villarreal strengthened its grip on third place in La Liga with a 2-1 away win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, moving four points clear of Atletico Madrid and 15 ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis as it closed in on qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

First-half goals from Sergi Cardona and Alfon Gonzalez put Villarreal 2-0 ahead and left Athletic Bilbao struggling.<