Atletico began the day with a two-point advantage over Villarreal and never looked like throwing that away as they took a two-goal lead through Sergio Aguero (19) and Raul Garcia (27).

Diego Forlan grabbed a third five minutes into the second half, a goal which also helped him to the top-scorer's 'Pichichi' award ahead of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

The result meant Villarreal's 3-2 win at Real Mallorca was academic.

The Yellow Submarine took the lead on the half-hour mark through Ruben Cani but were pegged back six minutes later by Aritz Aduriz.

Joseba Llorente scored a double either side of half-time (40 and 53) to seal the points, though Pierre Webo grabbed a late consolation.

Villarreal go into the Europa League, as do Valencia, who were 2-0 winners over Athletic Bilbao.

David Villa opened the scoring after seven minutes but they had to wait until the dying seconds to add a second through Pablo Hernandez, by which time Athletic had had Mikel Balenziaga sent off (78).

That result meant Deportivo La Coruna could not pip them to a European place, irrespective of their result against treble winners Barcelona.

As it was the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Rodolfo Bodipo scoring for the hosts after 31 minutes and Eto'o levelling moments before the end.