Villarreal's UCL hopes dashed in defeat to Real Sociedad

Villarreal's hopes of finishing in La Liga's top four ended with a 2-1 defeat at home to Real Sociedad on Monday, meaning Sevilla have qualified for the Champions League.

Sociedad's Brazilian striker Willian Jose broke the deadlock just after the hour mark before defender Diego Llorente added a second in the 75th minute before Santi Cazorla pulled one back for the hosts late on.

The result left Villarreal fifth in the standings with two games left on 57 points after 36 matches, nine behind Sevilla who won 2-0 at home to Mallorca on Sunday and return to Europe's elite club competition after a two-year absence.

Sociedad meanwhile boosted their chances of Europa League qualification as they moved up to seventh on 54 points, three ahead of eighth-placed neighbours Athletic Bilbao who are their closest challengers for the final European spot.