Forlán fires Villarreal into Europe

By Andy Hall

Villarreal CF won a thrilling race for third spot in the Primera División by defeating Levante UD 4-1 on Sunday night to secure a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Diego Forlán scored twice for Villarreal to end the season as joint-top scorer in Europe. Real Betis Balompié finished fourth ahead of city rivals Sevilla FC.

Madrigal drama
Villarreal came from behind against a Levante side that needed to win to have any chance of remaining in the top flight. Gustavo Reggi's 22nd-minute opener gave the visitors hope until Josico met Juan Román Riquelme's cross to level on 40 minutes. Six minutes later, Forlán arrived to stab Villarreal ahead and equal FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o as the leading scorer in the Primera División with 24 goals.

Forlán glory
Villarreal took advantage of the gaps left by Levante as they pressed for an equaliser and Forlán was left free to smash a drive into the top corner for his 25th goal of the campaign, ensuring he shares the ESM Golden Shoe with Arsenal FC's Thierry Henry. Luciano Figueroa scored the fourth as Villareal condemned their regional rivals to the Segunda División.

Mallorca survive
Betis will join Villarreal in the third qualifying round of the Champions League after drawing 1-1 away against RCD Mallorca. A trademark Marcos Assunçao free-kick looked to have given Betis victory but Guillermo Pereyra pulled a goal back at the death as Héctor Cúper's side stayed up.

Espanyol fifth
RCD Espanyol finish fifth after defeating Athletic Club Bilbao 2-0 with Toni Velamazán and Alberto Lopo claiming the goals, while Sevilla slip to sixth and join Espanyol in next season's UEFA Cup after suffering a 2-0 home defeat by Málaga CF. Valencia CF sealed seventh spot to earn a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup after Pablo Aimar's 81st-minute winner saw off CA Osasuna at the Mestalla.

Depor disappointment
RC Deportivo La Coruña end the season in eighth and miss out on European football for the first time since the 1996/97 season after drawing 1-1 at already relegated CD Numancia. Two Richard Núñez goals helped Club Atlético de Madrid battle back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Getafe CF. Real Racing Club de Santander were 1-0 winners against Albacete Balompié, who will join Levante and Numancia in the Segunda División next season.