Villarreal 1 - Celta 0

Villarreal: Viera; Javi Venta, Fuentes, Gonzalo, José Enrique; Tacchinardi (Matias Fernández 55'), Marcos Senna; Pires (Somoza 71'), Cani, Marcos García (Guille Franco 65'); Diego Forlán. 4-2-3-1.
Celta: Esteban; Angel, Tamas, Contreras, Placente; Iriney, Pablo García, Oubiña (Bamogo 76'); Gustavo López (Canobbio 76'), Baiano, Nené (Antonio Nuñez 61'). 4-3-3.

Team changes: Villarreal: Gonzalo, Marcos Senna for Cygan, Josico / Celta: Esteban, Iriney, Pablo García, Baiano for Pinto, Antonio Nuñez, Canobbio, Jesús Perera.

Goals:
1-0. 67. Guille Franco. Near post header wide of Esteban from Cani corner.

Celta are in deep trouble after losing 1-0 at Villarreal, and they ended the weekend in the drop zone, now three points away from safety having lost their last three games. Hristo Stoichkov's side had the better of the early play, Gustavo López and Baiano going close early on and Baiano having a strong penalty appeal waved away by referee Mejuto González when he was brought down by Viera.

But after the restart the locals rallied round, Pires having a penalty appeal turned down himself after he was fouled by Contreras, and then shooting just over the top. Diego Forlán put another effort wide, and midway through the second half an unmarked Guille Franco headed home Cani's corner for what was to be the winning goal. Villarreal still have hopes of pipping six close rivals to the Intertoto cup spot, although they are still three points behind Recre in tenth position.