The China Mail - Moreno bags brace but Villarreal held at Osasuna

Marcelino Garcia Toral's side are eight points ahead of fifth-place Espanyol, who lost 2-1 at home against Alaves on Friday.

The draw gives Atletico Madrid, third, the chance to extend their two point edge over the Yellow Submarine when they visit Levante later Saturday.

For a short while this season, Villarreal seemed to be on the fringes of the title race but two defeats and a draw in their last three La Liga outings have diminished those notions.

Veteran forward Moreno's brace secured his side a hard-fought point against Alessio Lisci's Osasuna, ninth.

"We wanted to win but I think we have to leave satisfied, because we got a point after two games without (getting any)," Moreno told Movistar.

The 33-year-old Spain international opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Victor Munoz nodded Osasuna level from a crossed free-kick.

Croatian target man Ante Budimir headed home the second before half-time for the hosts at their El Sadar stadium.

Captain Moreno's glancing header from a corner pulled Villarreal level with 20 minutes remaining to secure a point and take him to seven for the season in La Liga.

Leaders Barcelona can extend their advantage at the top of the table when they visit Elche later on, with second place Real Madrid hosting Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

H.Au--ThChM