Villarreal secures Champions League spot for next season

Villarreal clinched third place in the Spanish La Liga with a resounding 5-1 win over Atlético Madrid in the final match of the 38th round.

This was coach Marcelino García Toral's last match in charge of the "Yellow Submarine," and he guided his team to a comfortable victory over an Atlético side that appeared unfazed by the outcome.

Finishing third is Villarreal's best La Liga position in 13 years.

Villarreal captain Dani Parejo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, in what was also his final match for the club.

The goal sparked a goal fest before halftime, with Ayoze Peres adding a second three minutes later. Georgian striker George Mikautadze then made it 3-0 after Pires set him up on a counter-attack.

Final appearance

Marc Poppel pulled one back for Atlético with a header from a corner taken by Antoine Griezmann in his final appearance for Los Rojiblancos before his move to Orlando City in the United States.

However, the visitors' joy was short-lived, as Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye added a fourth just two minutes later with a powerful shot from outside the box that nestled into the top corner.

Villarreal continued their onslaught with a fifth goal from Pires (54), confirming the home side's dominant performance.

Parejo, who joined Villarreal in 2020, bid a tearful farewell to the fans as he was substituted.

800th match since taking over in 2011

He told Movistar: "It's been six wonderful years of my life. I'm proud and happy with what I've achieved, and I've given everything for this club." As for Atlético Madrid's Argentinian coach, Diego Simeone, it was his 800th match in charge since taking over in 2011, but it won't be a fond memory for him.

Atlético finished the season without any trophies, having lost the Copa del Rey final and been eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals.

Team captain Koke said: "This can't happen to us. We have to fix things next season. We can't concede this many goals."