Villarreal: Diego López; Mario (Nilmar
89'), Zapata, Musacchio, Jaume Costa; Marcos Senna, Marchena (Angel 66'),
Bruno; Borja Valero, Marco Rubén, Hernán Pérez (Wakaso
84'). 4-3-3.
Atlético: Courtois; Juanfran (Mario
Suárez 74'), Miranda, Godín, Filipe Luis; Tiago, Gabi (Koke 57');
Salvio, Diego, Adrián; Falcao (Domínguez 91'). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 88. Falcao. Got above markers to head Diego
corner past Diego López.
Yellow cards: Tiago 40', Jaume Costa 59', Miranda 69', Marchena 72'.
An exciting end to the season, with surprises right up to the last minute. The biggest shock of all though was the relegation of Villarreal, who lost 0-1 to Atlético Madrid thanks to a goal by Falcao with just two minutes left on the clock. The locals applauded their opponents on to the pitch out of respect for them winning the Europa League final midweek, but after that it was cut-throat stuff, with Marco Rubén and Marcos Senna both going close before the break. Atlético themselves needed the win though to keep alive their hopes of reaching the fourth Champions League spot, and after the restart they came back, Diego López having to save from Tiago, Diego and Salvio, and Filipe Luis hitting the bar when it would have been easier to score. Angel brought a good save out of Courtois with a well struck free kick in reply, but with two minutes to go Falcao got on the end of Diego's corner to head past the local keeper.
A draw would still have saved Villarreal, and with the game in injury time Marco Rubén headed inches wide. But the game ended soon afterwards, and disconsolate president Fernando Roig was given an ovation by the supportive home fans as he came down to the pitch to console his players. A devastating blow for Miguel Angel Lotina's team, who had only spent the last four minutes of the season in the drop zone, and to add to their woes their B team will be automatically relegated from the second division as a result. Atlético too were disappointed though, Málaga's win against Sporting meaning they will have to settle for Europa League football again next year