Villarreal have sealed an instant return to La Liga by securing a second-placed finish in the Segunda Division on Saturday.
The Madrigal outfit, who suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Spanish top-flight last term, confirmed automatic promotion from the second-tier by beating Almeria 1-0 at home.
Jonathan Pereira Rodriguez grabbed the all-important goal for the hosts, who could have been leapfrogged into the final promotion spot by their opponents had they suffered defeat on the final day of the season.
However, Almeria will now enter the play-offs along with Girona, Alcorcon and Las Palmas.
Elche’s status as Segunda Division champions was unthreatened going into the last day, meaning they will play top-flight football for the first time since 1989 next season.
Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has now led three teams to promotion from the Segunda Division, having previously achieved the feat with Real Zaragoza and Recreativo de Huelva.
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