Las Palmas ended 10-man Villarreal's winning run thanks to Kevin Prince Boateng's strike in a 1-0 success.
The Yellow Submarine had won three successive games in La Liga and would have moved one point behind four-placed Atletico Madrid had they won.
However, Boateng's 10th-minute goal for the hosts proved to be enough, with Victor Ruiz's dismissal nine minutes later hampering any hope of a Villarreal fightback.
Former Portsmouth and AC Milan midfielder Boateng headed in his eighth goal of the season after meeting a perfect left-wing cross from Dani Castellano.
Boateng might have added a second had he not been taken down by Victor Ruiz when clean through, an act which earned the Villarreal man a straight red card.
Sky Customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!