Villarreal strengthen grip on fourth position in La Liga table

Villarreal have strengthened their grip on fourth position in the La Liga table with a 1-0 win over Granada at El Madrigal.

The Yellow Submarine, who have won 13 of their 22 league games this season and lost just four times, have also moved level on points in the table with Real Madrid.

It was Granada that had the better of the first period, with Isaac Success twice coming close to making the breakthrough in the opening 20 minutes.

Roberto Soldado had the home side's best chance of the opening half, but the striker could not beat Andres Fernandez from close range.

Villarreal took the lead early in the second period, however, when Bruno converted from the penalty spot after Jean-Sylvain Babin had brought Cedric Bakambu to the deck.

Chances were few and far between in the latter stages of the contest, with Granada, who remain just outside the relegation zone in 16th, struggling to open up a tight Villarreal defence.