Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci has praised his Villarreal teammates for ensuring that the club finished second in La Liga to overcome the threat of third placed Barcelona. The Yellow Submarines have performed admirably this year and have impressed; and the side have been rewarded with Champions League qualification.

Villarreal secured second spot after beating Recreativo on Wednesday evening.

"It was possible, but what Real Madrid have done is not normal," he said. "The only thing that we can do is to congratulate them.

"Nonetheless, there are many good teams here so being second is like being champion for me.

"The fans deserve to celebreate this great deed. We want to step onto the pitch and make a great game, we are professionals and we are going to play every match the best we can, only thinking about winning the remaining games."