GOALS from Cani and Giuseppe Rossi gave Villarreal a 2-0 victory at home to Atletico Madrid which moved them up to second yesterday.
Villarreal, who have played some of the best football in Spain this season, took the lead against another side expected to be pushing for a top-four finish, after a superb run and pass from Brazil striker Nilmar in the ninth minute.
Midfielder Cani profited to score with a neat touch and Italy striker Rossi twisted and turned in the area, beating three defenders, to net inside the near post after 52.
Villarreal climbed to second with 19 points from eight matches, one behind unbeaten leaders Real Madrid, who hammered Racing Santander 6-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
Champions Barcelona are third on goal difference after their 2-0 victory at Real Zaragoza, also on Saturday.
Early pacesetters Valencia slipped to fourth with 16 points one ahead of Espanyol, who earlier kept pace with the top sides after a 2-1 victory at home to promoted Levante, thanks to goals from Jesus Datolo and Jose Callejon.
