Villarreal climbed into fifth place in LaLiga with a 1-0 win over Espanyol at Estadio de la Cerámica. The win led by Pino marked their fifth consecutive head-to-head victory over the Catalan side.

The Yellow Submarine dominated early but were twice denied by VAR in the first half. A penalty call on Juan Foyth was overturned, and Thierno Barry’s goal was ruled offside.

Their persistence paid off early in the second half when Yeremy Pino scored a sweet goal.

Espanyol offered little in response. The win puts Villarreal’s Champions League hopes firmly in their own hands heading into the season’s final stretch.