Javi Fuego at the double as Valencia oust Villarreal

Valencia reignited their hopes of qualifying for Europe by edging out fellow hopefuls Villarreal this evening.

The hosts were 2-0 up at the break thanks to a quickfire double from Javi Fuego.

First, the Spaniard pinged home from the edge of the area in the 35th minute before smashing in from close range just before half time.

It looked like they would see through a comfortable victory until Joao Pereira's loose backpass was turned home by Giovani dos Santos with seven minutes on the clock.

Valencia did hold on though to cut the gap to Villarreal in seventh to six points.