Villarreal consolidated their grip on third place in LaLiga by edging out Athletic Club 2-1 at San Mames.

The Yellow Submarine saw top-four rivals Atletico Madrid fall to a 2-1 loss at Sevilla on Saturday.

And Marcelino's team took full advantage, thanks to two excellent counter-attacking goals.

Sergi Cardona put them ahead in the 26th minute, rounding off a swift breakaway with a deft finish over Unai Simon after great work down the right from Tani Oluwaseyi.

Alfon Gonzalez nudged Villarreal further ahead on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to hammer home.

Gorka Guruzeta turned home from Yuri Berchiche's cross in the 84th minute to give the hosts a lifeline, but a hopeful penalty appeal was the closest Athletic came to salvaging a point, as Villarreal moved four points clear of Atletico.

Data Debrief: No seven heaven for Athletic

Athletic had gone six LaLiga home games against Villarreal without defeat (W4 D2), but they could not extend that run to seven, which would have been their longest such run against the Yellow Submarine.

Following their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, Villarreal have completed the league double over Athletic for just the fifth time, and for the first time since 2010-11.

Villarreal had only 39.1% of the ball, but they were excellent on the break, having six shots on target (matching Athletic's total) and creating chances worth 1.29 expected goals to their hosts' 1.2 xG.