OVIEDO — Villarreal took another step toward securing a top-three finish in La Liga after a 1-1 draw against Real Oviedo, maintaining a strong position in the race for Champions League qualification despite dropping points away from home.
The result keeps Villarreal firmly in third place with 62 points, extending their cushion over fourth-placed Atletico Madrid to five points as the season approaches its final stretch. Atletico, however, remain in poor form, having suffered a run of four consecutive league defeats.
The visitors took the lead in the first half through a penalty converted by former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé, who also won the spot-kick in the 13th minute. The early goal gave Villarreal control of the match and placed them in a commanding position for much of the first half.
Real Oviedo, battling at the bottom of the table, responded strongly after the break. Ilyas Chaira restored parity in the 69th minute with a deflected strike that left the Villarreal goalkeeper with little chance, earning the struggling side a valuable point in their fight for survival.
Despite Villarreal’s dominance in possession and chances created, they were unable to reclaim the lead. Ayoze Pérez came close in the final minutes when his effort struck the crossbar and bounced away from goal, denying the visitors a late winner.
The draw still strengthens Villarreal’s grip on third place, leaving them in a strong position to secure Champions League football if they maintain consistency in their remaining fixtures.
For Real Oviedo, the result keeps them at the bottom of La Liga, six points adrift of safety, with their survival hopes increasingly dependent on results elsewhere as the season winds down.
Elsewhere in the relegation battle, Sevilla suffered another setback after a 2-0 defeat to Levante. Ivan Romero scored twice for the hosts, deepening Sevilla’s struggles as they hover just above the relegation zone in 17th place.
Levante, meanwhile, boosted their survival chances by climbing to 32 points, moving within striking distance of safety as the fight to avoid relegation intensifies.
Rayo Vallecano also picked up a crucial late victory over Espanyol, moving further away from danger thanks to a late winner that lifted them into 11th place.
Attention now shifts to Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture against Real Betis, where they aim to reduce the gap to league leaders Barcelona and apply pressure at the top of the table.
As the La Liga season enters its decisive phase, battles at both ends of the table remain tightly contested, with European qualification and relegation survival still far from settled.
