Villarreal’s inconsistent domestic form has enabled Real Sociedad and Real Betis to steal a march on them in the race for next season’s Europa League, with La Real in fifth and Los Verdiblancos in sixth. Villarreal are level on points with the latter and five clear of Celta Vigo, but could be forgiven for allowing their minds to wander to the upcoming final of this season’s Europa League against Manchester United.