Villarreal sights trained on third

By Andrew Hall

Villarreal CF have the chance to reclaim third place in the Primera División on Thursday night when they visit mid-table CA Osasuna for a rearranged Spanish league fixture.

European target
The game was moved from its original 20 March slot due to Villarreal's UEFA Cup commitments but, having been knocked out by AZ Alkmaar at the quarter-final stage, Manuel Luis Pellegrini's team will be eager to return to European competition next season. Villarreal occupy fifth position in the standings, but trail third-placed Sevilla FC by just three points and have their sights set on Spain's third UEFA Champions League qualifying berth.

'Points imperative'
"Of all the teams fighting for a place in Europe, we are the only one that can pick up points on Thursday and it is imperative that we do so," said Pellegrini. The visitors have Armando Sá and César Arzo out injured while captain Quique Álvarez is suspended after being dismissed in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid CF. Reserve centre-back Fran Moreno is included in the squad.

Aguirre applause
Osasuna coach Javier Aguirre, who is without injured winger Valdo and banned defender Carlos Cuéllar, paid tribute to the opposition. "Villarreal gave us a footballing lesson at the Madrigal [a match Villarreal won 3-0]," he said. "They are a solid and serious team that know how to play good football. We will be trying to sustain our positive run in the league and Copa del Rey. I am sure we are going to see an excellent match."