Il Nuovo Postiglione - Villarreal sink Alaves to stay in La Liga hunt

Alberto Moleiro, Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze struck in the second half to cut leaders Barcelona's lead down to eight points, having played one fewer game than the Catalan champions.

Villarreal climbed three points clear of Atletico and within four of second-placed Real Madrid, who have both also played an extra game.

Top two Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

Moleiro has been in sparkling form in recent weeks and it was no surprise when he opened the scoring after 49 minutes.

Alaves kept the hosts at bay comfortably in a first half of few clear chances, but Villarreal stepped up a gear after the interval.

Moleiro brilliantly curled home his eighth goal of the season from the edge of the box when the ball dropped kindly for him.

Six minutes later veteran striker Moreno fired home the second for his first goal since November.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's side grabbed the third through Georgia striker Mikautadze's delightful chipped finish after Moleiro played him in.

Villarreal were cruising when Thomas Partey clumsily gave the ball away in front of his area and Toni Martinez rammed home to salvage some pride for Alaves, 15th.

Knocked out of the Copa del Rey early and set for an early Champions League departure, Villarreal's main focus is now La Liga.

The Yellow Submarine have never won the title and although they are still outsiders, this victory helped them stay in the hunt for unlikely domestic glory.

D.Campanella--INP