Madrid - Villarreal moved up to fifth in the Spanish Liga on Thursday with a 2-1 home win over lowly Recreativo Huelva.

Their first win in five games leaves the "Yellow Submarine" with 52 points from 32 games, three points less than fourth-placed Valencia but with two more than sixth-placed Malaga.

Atletico Madrid will join Villarreal on 52 points if they manage to win in Santander later on Thursday, in the match which closes the 32th round of games.

Javier Camunas gave Huelva the lead after just two minutes, but Joseba Llorente made it 1-1 for Villarreal with a powerful drive four minutes before half-time.

The winning goal, in the 68th minute, was controversial, to say the least.

Villarreal playmaker Cani beat the visiting keeper with a delightful chip, but Huelva defender Nasief Morris seemed to have cleared the ball off the line.

To the fury of the Huelva players, the goal was given.

Huelva are now second from bottom with just 30 points, two points above bottom team Numancia.

Espanyol moved up to third from bottom on Thursday with a defiant 3-0 win away to fellow strugglers Sporting Gijon, with goals from Nene, Roman Martinez and Jose Callejon.

Espanyol - who seemed doomed a month ago - now have 32 points, just one less than Gijon. Then come Getafe on 34, Osasuna on 35, Racing Santander and Mallorca on 36. (dpa)