Kevin Gameiro scored two goals
Villarreal’s scoreless draw with Real Betis was good enough for it to provisionally pull level on points with third-place Real Madrid in the Spanish league on Saturday.
Villarreal’s best scoring opportunity came just moments after kickoff of the evenly contested match at El Madrigal Stadium, when Roberto Soldado sent the ball off the far upright.
Fourth-place Villarreal’s winning streak ended at six straight rounds, but it equaled Madrid on points, and moved within four points of leader Atletico Madrid and two points of Barcelona before all three title rivals play early today (Macau time).
“Those were a lot of victories, but they covered up how we were playing. We need to rest our minds and then get back to training,” Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia said. “This can help us to improve.”
Elsewhere, Celta Vigo got two goals from John Guidetti to earn a 4-3 win after weathering bottom-side Levante’s spirited second-half rally, while Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro scored two goals just before halftime to help beat Malaga for the club’s ninth consecutive home win.
“This team needs confidence and Kevin showed that today,” Sevilla manager Unai Emery said. “He has a knack for scoring and it’s our job to create chances for him.”
Also, Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Prieto earned and converted a penalty in the 75th to salvage a 1-1 draw at home with Deportivo La Coruna, after Luis Alberto put the visitors in front. Sociedad hit the crossbar twice in the final minutes, and settled for a point. Joseph Wilson, Barcelona, AP
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