Villarreal CF strengthened their grip on a top-four spot in LaLiga with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Levante UD, extending the hosts’ miserable run to just one win in their last seven league outings (D2, L4).

Despite sitting 19th in the table and making seven changes to their starting XI, Levante began brightly and had Villarreal on the back foot during the opening 15 minutes. However, clear-cut chances were at a premium, with Diego Pampín’s half-chance the only notable effort in a cagey start where neither side managed to apply sustained pressure.

Pape Gueye and Alberto Moleiro attempted to inject urgency into Villarreal’s play, but Levante’s disciplined five-man defensive line frustrated the Yellow Submarine. It took until the 28th minute for Pau Navarro to register the visitors’ first attempt on goal, though his effort drifted harmlessly wide. Moleiro came closer moments later, striking the post with a header as Villarreal began to find their rhythm.

Ayoze Pérez forced the first shot on target just before the interval in a subdued contest at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, where excitement was in short supply for much of the first half.

Gueye tested the goalkeeper from distance early in the second period, while at the other end Luiz Júnior reacted sharply to tip away Paco Cortés’ fierce strike. Levante’s growing intensity lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium, but it was Villarreal who capitalised. With goalkeeper Mathew Ryan caught off his line, Georges Mikautadze calmly slotted home the decisive goal.

Levante pushed forward in search of an equaliser and saw a late penalty appeal waved away after Karl Etta Eyong went to ground. Villarreal nearly doubled their advantage late on, but Mikautadze was denied a second when Adrián de la Fuente cleared his effort off the line with the goal at his mercy.

In the end, Levante were unable to find a breakthrough and remain deep in relegation trouble, seven points from safety ahead of a daunting trip to FC Barcelona.

Villarreal, meanwhile, move seven points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, responding well to their recent defeat to Getafe CF to maintain strong momentum in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.