Villarreal kept pace with La Liga's big three by seeing off relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon for their sixth straight league win this afternoon.

Gijon, who have now lost four in a row, started well at El Madrigal, with Arnaldo Sanabria going close before Bernardo Espinosa had a goal ruled out.

It was Villarreal, however, that took the lead in the 26th minute through Cedric Bakambu, who tapped home from Roberto Soldado's measured cutback.

Bakambu then put the game beyond Gijon's reach with a fine individual effort in the 51st minute.

Villarreal stay fourth but strengthen their position in the top four behind Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, while Gijon, who have lost seven of their last eight league games, miss the chance to move out of the bottom three.