Villarreal midfielder Bruno Soriano scored with a brilliant free kick to earn a 1-0 win over regional rivals Valencia in La Liga on Thursday.
Soriano curled a left-footed strike just inside the far post to claim a deserved winner for the hosts in the 64th minute, after Roberto Soldado had been fouled outside the area.
Villarreal's fourth straight victory lifted them past Celta Vigo and into fourth place, giving them control of the last Champions League spot.
Valencia were left in 10th, with coach Gary Neville winless through three Liga matches.
Valencia's only win under Neville in five games was a victory over Barakaldo -- a team from Spain's third division -- in the Copa del Rey.