Madrid, April 13 -- Villarreal strengthened its grip on third place in La Liga with a 2-1 away win over Athletic Bilbao, 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 on Sunday.
The home side pushed for a route back into the game in the second half, but Villarreal defended in an organized manner and also had chances to extend its lead on the counterattack. Gorka Guruzeta pulled a goal back for Athletic Bilbao in the 84th minute, but Villarreal held on for the win, while Athletic remains just six points above the bo...