Villarreal, Athletic and Celta through to Europa League last-32

Villarreal CF 2-1 Steaua

Nicola Sansone fired Villarreal in front after only 15 minutes but the Romanians made life tough for Fran Escriba’s side. Vlad Achim levelled in the 55th and the visitors pushed hard until being reduced to ten men when Gabriel Tamas was sent off 11 minutes from time. In the 88th minute Manu Trigueros sealed the victory with a glorious lob which just snuck in under the crossbar. Villarreal finished second in Group L.

#CVFEnglish | Fran Escribá: “I'm proud of the players. I know they gave everything out there on the pitch". #UEL

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) December 8, 2016

Rapid Viena 1-1 Athletic Club

Athletic had already qualified for the last-32 and were fighting for the top spot in their group. Joelinton fired Rapid ahead before Enric Saboritt equalised for the Basque side with six minutes remaining. Ernesto Valverde’s men will have to wait until Friday to find out whether they are first or second in Group F with Genk’s game against Sassuolo postponed due to the weather. Athletic are currently top, one point ahead of Genk.

Congratulations...@Athletic_en @rccelta_oficial @VillarrealCF 

for making the last-32 of the #UEL!  pic.twitter.com/WKxaqIIPCc

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 8, 2016

 

Panathinaikos 0-2 RC Celta

Celta pulled through in their final game to secure second place in Group G behind Ajax thanks to goals from John Guidetti and a penalty from Fabian Orellana. Celta’s Swedish striker headed home from a Hugo Mallo cross after only three minutes, but the points were not secured until Orellana scored from the spot after Guidetti was fouled in the area.