Santiago Cazorla has masterminded Villarreal's fourth La Liga win of the season, scoring a double to help his side see off Malaga 3-2 on Monday.
The diminutive Spain international's trickery was the feature of his side's victory, with his first goal drawing Villarreal level after Eliseu's unstoppably opener and his polished second on 34 minutes sealing the points.
A smart finish from Italian striker Guiseppe Rossi was sandwiched by Cazola's brace, with fellow forward Nilmar supplying the assists for Villarreal's final two goals.
Venezuela international striker Jose Salomon Rondon had equalised for Malaga on 30 minutes, but Cazorla's second goal soon after ultimately ended Malaga's quest for points.
The home side's bid to snare an equaliser was not helped when Eliseu's evening turned sour, courtesy of his 41st-minute dismissal.
Villarreal are second on the table and just one point behind league-leaders Valencia. They host Racing Santander at El Madrigal on Sunday.
Malaga occupy 12th on the table after the defeat, with a trip to Almeria to come on the same day.