Villarreal close in on top four, recalling Levante night that sealed first Champions League | OneFootball

With seven matches remaining, Villarreal are virtually assured of a Champions League return, 15 points clear of fifth-placed Betis, and now focused on defending third, last achieved in 2004-05 under Manuel Pellegrini.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Marcelino's side, who qualified for the competition last season despite finishing fifth, are close to confirming a top-four finish, achieved in four of their 26 seasons in the top flight.

Pellegrini secured top-four finishes in 2004-05 and 2007-08, Marcelino did so in 2015-16, and Juan Carlos Garrido achieved it in 2010-11. The club's best league placing remains 2007-08, when they finished runners-up.

Marcelino could overtake Pellegrini for most Villarreal Champions League qualifications with three, although in 2015-16 his team did not reach the main phase after losing the qualifying tie to Monaco.

What became of that third-placed side? On a magical night against Levante, with the enduring image of Forlán wearing braids, the Submarine won to clinch a first Champions League berth, celebrated by chants about meeting Milan the following year.

Pellegrini's XI that day was Reina, Javi Venta, Gonzalo, Quique Álvarez, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Josico, Marcos Senna, Cazorla, Riquelme, Forlán and José Mari. Reggi put Levante ahead, then Josico levelled on 41 minutes, Forlán struck on 45 and 90, and Lucho Figueroa added another on 90.

The following season Villarreal made history again by reaching the Champions League semi-finals, where they lost to Arsenal after a remarkable run.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo