Javier Camunas netted the winning goal nine minutes from time, helping to lift Villarreal out of the drop zone and condemning the hosts to their worst run since 2001.
Villarreal's resurgence under Jose Molina continued against Sevilla and their opening goal was a truly breathtaking passage of play, including 13 passes, which was finished off by Borja Valero.
Attempting to end a run of six matches without a win, Sevilla levelled in fortuitous circumstances when Bruno put into his own net before Camunas' opportunistic strike in the 81st minute gave Molina his first win away from home.
Inaki Tejada was denied victory in his first match in charge of Sporting Gijon after Dejan Lekic's strike rescued a point for Osasuna.
Gijon took the lead in a match played in torrential rain when Nacho Cases provided a piece of quality in the opening 45 minutes.
His magical cross found Carmelo Gonzalez who simply had to guide it into the net.
Osasuna dug deep to stay in contention, surviving Gregory Arnolin's diabolical miss when he headed wide from inside the six-yard box.
And it proved crucial as Lekic converted Marc Bertran's cross to secure an unlikely point for the visitors.
In Zaragoza, Rayo Vallecano inflicted more pressure on Manolo Jimenez after coming from behind to beat the home side 2-1.
The loss means Real Zaragoza are still 10 points from safety after Rayo scored twice in the last 15 minutes to win.
Former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga scored the opener for Zaragoza with a quality volley in the first half.
And in the late match, Valencia and Atletico Madrid played out a physical 0-0 draw in a match where the home side's goalkeeper Diego Alves and defender Adil Rami stole the show with numerous vital stops.
In tomorrow's match is Granada against Malaga
