Villarreal crush Levante to secure Champions League spot

Villarreal guaranteed themselves a Champions League qualification spot with a 5-1 romp over Levante in La Liga on Sunday.

Marcelino's side, third, moved 18 points clear of fifth-place Real Betis, who have five games left to play.

Georges Mikautadze struck twice in the Yellow Submarine's derby victory, with Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe also on target.

Carlos Espi netted for Levante, 19th, provisionally three points from safety and in severe danger of relegation, with Sevilla and Alaves above them still to play this weekend.

Later Saturday leaders Barcelona can move to the brink of retaining the Spanish title if they win at Osasuna.

Fourth-place Atletico Madrid visit Valencia with coach Diego Simeone rotating his line-up heavily ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg clash at Arsenal on Tuesday.