Spanish side Villarreal beat Levski Sofia 2-0 at Georgi Asparouhov stadium in Sofia with goals from Giuseppe Rossi and substitute Marcos Senna. This latest victory assured the visitors a place in the knockout stages of Uefa Europa League while Levski suffered its fifth defeat in the competition.

It has been a hard season for the Bulgarian champions, and although they fought their way back tooth and nail in the domestic league, problems in Europe continue unabated. Their fifth consecutive defeat marks an European campaign the Blues will be willing to forget.

The match started in a lively manner for Levski, playing in front of about 7000 home supporters, but it was the visitors who created the more potent chances. Rossi's stunning volley and Senna's intelligent tap-in were all that was needed for Ernesto Valverde's men as they secured their progress with one match to spare.

Villarreal could have been a goal ahead in Sofia as early as the 14th minute, when Ariel Ibagaza's free kick was delivered to an unmarked Joan Capdevila, who shot wide from close range. Levski, on the other hand, were struggling to create any serious threat to the Spanish goal, with the only significant opportunity wasted by Ze Soares. The hosts were tactically outplayed in the middle and were concentrating mainly on opportunities from crosses and corner kicks.

It was Rossi who gave Villarreal the lead nine minutes before half-time. The 22-year-old Italian controlled Ibagaza's free-kick, beat Joaozinho and dispatched the ball beyond Bozhidar Mitrev from a tight angle.

With the second half under way, both teams took the foot off the pedal. Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez was forced to make a save from Ze Soares, which then narrowly missed the side bar. But hopes for Levski to battle it out and secure themselves something from the encounter were dispelled when Senna, who had replaced Rossi, guided the ball in from 15 metres in the 85th minute to beat Mitrev and seal the Spanish side a ticket to the further stages of the competition.

In the other match of the group, Red Bull Salzburg secured a 2-1 win against Lazio. The Italians, like the Bulgarians, are out of further contention. After five matches, Red Bull Salzburg are top of the group with 15 points, followed by Villarreal with nine. Lazio and Levski Sofia have six and zero, respectively.