Sergio Asenjo of Villarreal fists the ball away from Vicente Iborra of FC Sevilla during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, Second Leg match between FC Sevilla and Villarreal CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on March 19, 2015 © Getty Images

Both teams attacked early on, with Villarreal needing at least three goals to qualify, and it was the visitors who had the first chance when Manuel Trigueros tested Sergio Rico with a strike from distance.

Vicente Iborra went close for the home side after finding space in the box, but his low effort was comfortably saved by Sergio Asenjo.

Knowing Villarreal had to force the issue, Sevilla were happy to sit back and few chances were created as the first half drew to a close.

The hosts continued to slow play down after the break, and it was Sevilla who took the lead thanks to Iborra, who had a simple finish after Stephane M'Bia teed him up.

Sevilla's midfielder Vicente Iborra celebrates after scoring during the Europa League football match FC Sevilla vs Villarreal CF at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla on March 19, 2015 © Getty Images

Giovanni dos Santos gave Villarreal hope with under 20 minutes left, with the Mexican curling his free kick into the top corner.

However, their task was made harder when Eric Bailly was sent off for a second bookable offence, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Substitute Denis Suarez put the tie beyond doubt less than four minutes after coming off the bench, heading in after Benoit Tremoulinas's cross.

Sevilla saw out the remaining minutes to book a safe passage into the next round.