Spanish Soccer: Valencia's title hopes dashed by Villarreal

Valencia, Spain (Sports Network) - Whatever chance Valencia had at winning the La Liga title was crushed on Saturday by Villarreal at Estadio Mestalla as the Yellow Submarines handed Valencia a 3-2 loss behind two goals from Diego Forlan.

The home side started off well as David Villa converted from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, but Forlan answered with his first goal 10 minutes before halftime to level the match. Jon Dahl Tomasson put the visitors in front in the 79th minute and Forlan then added the insurance marker in the 87th minute. Villa scored his second goal from a free kick in stoppage time for Valencia but it was too late for the hosts to salvage a draw.

The loss still leaves Valencia in great position for a Champions League qualifying spot, while the three points for Villarreal moves the club into sixth place, two points ahead of Atletico Madrid for a spot in the UEFA Cup.

Villa gave the Villarreal defense trouble in the first half, and he was brought down inside the area after 20 minutes by Villarreal keeper Sebastian Viera. Villa then stepped up to the spot and drove a hard shot into the bottom left corner for a 1-0 Valencia lead.