Villarreal sparked to life in the second half to beat Osasuna 3-1 on Monday, gaining ground on Athletic Bilbao in the chase for the Spanish league's last Champions League place.

Villarreal missed midfielders Bruno Soriano and Cani and was held in check until just after the restart when Jeremy Perbet redirected the ball into the net. The hosts went on to produce another impressive performance at their Madrigal Stadium and Manuel Trigueros doubled the lead from long range in the 55th.

Perbet capped a slick team move with his second goal in the 70th as Villarreal moved to within three points of Bilbao in fourth.

Oriol Riera scored a skillful goal in the 87th to give Osasuna some consolation, and the visitors came close twice more before the final whistle.