Coach Juan Carlos Garrido believes Villarreal are closing in on the UEFA Europa League last 32 after establishing a two-point lead at the top of Group D.

The Yellow Submarine beat PAOK Salonika 1-0 at the Madrigal last night to move above their Greek opponents and Dinamo Zagreb. The Spaniards started the competition with defeat in the Croatian capital, but two straight wins have put them in pole position at the halfway stage.

"We more than deserved the three points," Garrido said on the club's official website. "We were able to control the game at all times.

"The main goal is to qualify and to do that we have to add points. In a league which is short every game is crucial. There are still three games to go, but this victory brings us closer to our goal."

Argentinian striker Marco Ruben scored the winner in the first half and admitted the goal was a weight off his shoulders. "I was very happy. I have not scored many goals lately and I needed it," he said.