Villarreal defeated Espanyol 4-1 in the Spanish La Liga on Monday, strengthening their grip on fourth place.

Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, who are in third place, are level on 45 points.

Atletico are ahead on goal difference. Villarreal are seven points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis and have a chance of playing in the Champions League next season.

Georges Mikoutadze, Nicolas Pepe and Alberto Moleiro scored one goal each for Villarreal. The other goal was an own goal. Leandro Cabrera also pulled a consolation goal back for Espanyol. Espanyol are in sixth place on 34 points.