Villarreal hold on to beat Celta Vigo & all but seal spot in next season's UCL

Villarreal virtually sealed their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, earning a fifth consecutive home win for the first time in a decade and condemning the visitors to a fifth straight defeat. The hosts struck inside two minutes when Alberto Moleiro won a penalty and Gerard Moreno converted confidently. Despite brief pressure around the ten‑minute mark, Celta created little else before Villarreal doubled their lead just before half an hour, as Alfonso Pedraza’s cut‑back allowed Nicolas Pepe to guide a first‑time finish past Ionut Radu.

Celta improved after the break and were handed a lifeline when Pape Gueye conceded a penalty. Although Arnau Tenas saved Borja Iglesias’ initial effort, a retake was ordered and the striker buried the second attempt. Ferran Jutglà later hit the post, but Villarreal held firm to move fifteen points clear of fifth with five matches remaining, while Celta’s slump continued.