Villarreal president Fernando Roig is sorry only the winner between themselves and Atalanta can reach the Champions League round of 16.
With Manchester United already qualified, the winner between Villarreal and Atalanta will follow them into the knockout round.
Roig told TMW: "It will be a great final. We would have liked to have gone through the round with Atalanta, I tell you the truth, but unfortunately it will not be possible. We want to continue to consolidate ourselves in Spain and in Europe and this ambitious path today passes precisely through the team.
"We strongly believe in our work and in our coach. Mister Emery has international experience, offers good football and has a winning mentality. We are happy and satisfied with him. Goals? Winning LaLiga is complicated, let's say that a fourth place would be like a victory for us..."