Villarreal Deepen Athletic Bilbao Woes as Oviedo Boost Survival Hopes

Villarreal strengthened their impressive La Liga campaign with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, compounding the Basque side’s recent struggles and dragging them closer to the relegation battle.

Meanwhile, Real Oviedo boosted their survival prospects with a convincing 3-0 win away to Celta Vigo, temporarily lifting themselves off the bottom of the table.

Athletic, who featured in this season’s UEFA Champions League, are enduring a difficult run of form and now face a tense conclusion to the campaign. Despite Villarreal’s strong push near the top of the table, the hosts’ defeat leaves them just six points above 18th-placed Elche.

Head coach Ernesto Valverde has seen his side lose five of their last six matches in all competitions, a run that has heightened concerns over their league position.

Forward Inaki Williams admitted the team’s frustration following the defeat:

“This season, small details are costing us dearly. It is a moment for unity if we are to return to winning ways.

“We must accept the situation and keep moving forward. The reality is difficult — we are not picking up points and must be mindful of the teams below us.”

Athletic were boosted by the return of Nico Williams, making his first start since February after a prolonged groin injury. The winger, who played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, will be keen to regain full fitness ahead of the upcoming international calendar.

Villarreal took the lead through Sergi Cardona, who produced a composed lofted finish over goalkeeper Unai Simon as he advanced off his line.

The visitors doubled their advantage before half-time when Alfonso Gonzalez capitalised on a defensive lapse by Inigo Lekue, finishing sharply at the near post.

Georges Mikautadze nearly extended the lead further with an ambitious long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

Athletic pulled a goal back late on through Gorka Guruzeta, but the hosts were unable to complete a comeback.

The victory leaves Villarreal nine points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona on Friday.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Barcelona took a significant step towards retaining the title with a commanding 4-1 derby victory over Espanyol, moving nine points clear of their closest rivals.

Oviedo and Mallorca Strengthen Survival Push

Real Oviedo secured only their sixth win of the season — but a crucial third in their last four matches — to move within five points of safety.

Alberto Reina opened the scoring at Balaídos before Federico Vinas struck twice to seal an emphatic away victory.

The result dealt a blow to Celta Vigo, who remain sixth and missed an opportunity to capitalise on Real Betis’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna earlier in the weekend.

Mallorca also climbed out of the relegation zone with a comfortable 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Striker Vedat Muriqi was the standout performer, scoring twice to take his tally to 21 league goals this season — just two behind leading scorer Kylian Mbappe.

With eight teams separated by just six points near the bottom of the table, the relegation battle remains finely poised heading into the final seven rounds of the campaign.