Gerard Moreno netted twice for Villarreal but they could only manage a 2-2 draw at Osasuna in LaLiga on Saturday, unable to capitalise on Espanyol's defeat to fully consolidate their position in fourth.
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 LaLiga 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 halftime 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 LaLiga.
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.