In-form Athletic Bilbao beat Villarreal in battle for Europe

Athletic Bilbao tightened their hold on fourth place in La Liga with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, fifth, on Sunday.

Aitor Paredes and Inaki Williams struck to help the Basques move six points clear of their opponents, who have played two fewer games.

Bilbao have won four consecutive games in the top flight, including beating champions Real Madrid on Wednesday, and are aiming for Champions League qualification next season.

“We’re establishing ourselves in fourth, which is what we wanted,” said Williams.

“I think we competed really well, when you’re in form, you have to surf the wave.”

Villarreal have now gone four matches without victory in all competitions, including a shock Copa del Rey defeat by fourth-tier Pontevedra in midweek.

“This defeat hurts a lot, we knew we were facing a direct rival (for the top four),” said Villarreal defender Kiko Femenia.

“We know it’s very tricky to come here and beat them, and the chances they have, they put away.”

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