CAREW HAT-TRICK LIFTS VALENCIA
The Norwegian striker netted in the 18th minute, again two minutes after the break and then with six minutes on the clock.
Villareal would have fancied their chances at half time as they were level at 1-1 after Quique Alvarez's 35th minute strike.
Valencia remain in third position but are now just three points behind second placed Deportivo la Coruna, while Villareal stay fifth.
Barcelona kept tabs with the Champions League winning 3-0 over Real Sociedad with Patrick Kluivert grabbing a brace.
The Dutch international put them into the lead six minutes before the break and added a second with a fine solo effort after Marc Overmars' through ball, chipping over Alberto.
Substitute Xavi put the game beyond doubt when his deflected strike hit home 12 minutes from time.
Sixth place Real Mallorca also fell to a 2-1 defeat to the rejuvenated Racing Santander side.
Santander, who crushed Barcelona 5-0 a fortnight ago, took the lead through Javier Mazzoni after 18 minutes and although Marcos equalised four minutes before the break, Gonzalo Colsa's goal on the stroke of half time restored the home side's lead.
Elsewhere, Jon Perez Bolo's second half strike salvaged a draw for Rayo Vallecano at home to Espanyol, after Toni Velamazan gave the visitors the lead after 23 minutes.
Vallecano's case was made easier by Raul Tamudo's sending off just after the half hour mark.
The Pichihi-in-waiting Javi Moreno netted again, but Alaves were denied victory by Edu's equaliser for Celta Vigo a minute from time.
Athletic Bilbao beat Numancia 3-1, Malaga edged Las Palmas 2-1, Osasuna won 3-2 at Real Oviedo and Valladolid beat Real Zaragoza 2-0.
