Villarreal 3 - 1 Athletic Bilbao: Yellow Submarine sink Athletic Bilbao by familiar scoreline

Villarreal enjoyed a familiar story of success after notching up their third 3-1 victory in a row to keep themselves level on points with Real Madrid in the Primera Division.

Athletic Bilbao were the victims this time, following on from Espanyol and Granada, and the Basque side was never in the match against the Yellow Submarine at El Madrigal.

The early departure of striker Cedric Bakambu, injured after 15 minutes, could have unsettled Villarreal but they took it in their stride and substitute Leo Baptistao, on loan from Atletico Madrid, proved a thorn in the visitors' side.

It was the Brazilian who won a penalty under Carlos Gurpegui's challenge, which Villarreal's captain Bruno Soriano coolly converted.

Encouraged by that, Villarreal had chances for Nahuel and Samu Castillejo but could not find the target.

San Jose headed just over for Bilbao before Villarreal extended their lead in the 66th minute. Mario strode forward and from 25 yards out crashed home a tremendous shot.

It was Mario who then hit the cross that was met by Leo Baptistao to head home.

Athletic Bilbao, to their credit, kept going even when it seemed a hopeless task.

Alphonse Areola pulled of a great save in the 78th minute to deny substitute Aritz Aduriz, but he could do nothing to prevent the Basque striker heading home in stoppage time.