Madrid  - A 2-0 defeat of cup finalists Athletic Bilbao on Saturday has left Villarreal fourth in the Spanish Liga.

Villarreal won thanks to late goals from Santi Cazorla and Matias Fernandez, and a couple of sharp saves from goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who was called up by Spain manager Vicente del Bosque on Friday.

The "yellow submarine," as Villarreal are known, now has 48 points from 28 games, five points more than Atletico Madrid and Malaga, who share fifth place.

Villarreal are three points behind third-placed Sevilla, who are home to Valladolid later on Saturday.

"It was really important for us to win tonight," said Cazorla, "because our recent results have not been good."

The first goal of a tight clash came in the 69th minute, when Cazorla broke the deadlock with a fierce drive after being set up by Guiseppe Rossi.

Rossi then squandered a good chance to add a second on the break.

Chilean supersub Fernandez made it 2-0 in injury time with a low drive, after picking his way through a tired Bilbao defence.

Bilbao - who were crippled by the sending-off of youngster Markel Susaeta - have not won on the road for almost three months now. (dpa)