Villarreal promoted back to the top division in Spain

Former Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal have been promoted back to the top flight in Spain at the first time of asking after they beat promotion rivals Almeria 1-0.

The sides were level on points lying in second and third in the second division before kick-off, with the winner guaranteed promotion to La Liga.

Jonathan Pereira's goal was enough for Villarreal to take second spot and promotion behind champions Elche.

Almeria will now go into the play-offs.

The Andalusians will face Las Palmas in a two-legged tie with Girona playing Alcorcon in the other play-off semi-final.

Villarreal were relegated last season, and their campaign to come straight back up had suffered a tragic start, as new coach Manuel Preciado died from a heart attack on the very same day in June 2012 that he was appointed.

His successor, former B team coach Julio Velazquez, was sacked in January but coach Marcelino Garcia Toral has now finished the job.

The 'Yellow Submarine' were beaten in the 2006 Champions League semi-final by Arsenal.