Villarreal knew a win would sew up their place in the top four, and the Yellow Submarine got off to a fast start, producing two brilliant opportunities inside the opening quarter-hour.
Firstly, Santi Comesana struck on the half-volley from just outside the box, but the ball clattered the crossbar, before Georges Mikautadze ran onto the ball just inside the 18-yard box from a corner routine, only to fire narrowly over the crossbar.
The influential Georgian had another effort go agonisingly close, as he showed brilliant control of the ball before his first-time shot bounced inches wide of the left post.
But he was finally celebrating minutes later, when he showed intent to pursue a loose ball and applied the pressure on Matias Moreno at the back for Levante. That resulted in the centre-back mishitting the ball, allowing Mikautadze to apply a clinical finish past Mathew Ryan.
Despite their situation, Levante came out with renewed energy following the restart and levelled just five minutes into the second half, when a neat spell of possession culminated with Pablo Martinez whipping an inch-perfect cross into the box for Carlos Espi to head home.
Marcelino’s men composed themselves, though, and were back in front just after the hour mark, when Alberto Moleiro went flying down the left flank and cut inside, before curling a stunning finish into the bottom-right corner.
The hosts played excellent free-flowing football once their lead was restored and it was further increased after Nicolas Pepe broke down the right wing and unselfishly squared for Mikautadze to slot in his 11th league goal of the season.
With the wind in his sails, the Ivorian notched another assist in the 87th minute after his cross-field pass to Tajon Buchanan ended with the Canadian producing a stunning strike into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Levante collapsed and Pepe finally notched in the 90th minute after dispossessing the opposition defence again, before his emphatic finish capped off a fine afternoon for the Yellow Submarine.
Villarreal’s joy at sealing a top-four spot could now be further boosted by a third-place finish – their highest in the Spanish top-flight since 2007/08.
That stands in stark contrast to Levante’s prospects, as they will end the weekend in the bottom three – a significant three points from safety, with the teams around them yet to play this gameweek.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal)
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