Villarreal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over regional rivals Valencia at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Pape Gueye's crucial penalty in first-half stoppage time proved decisive.
This La Liga clash saw third-placed Villarreal host a Valencia side struggling in 16th. Villarreal aimed to cement their strong league position. Valencia fought to climb away from the relegation zone.
The game began with both teams battling for midfield control. Tensions flared early as Villarreal's G. Mikautadze received a yellow card in the 23rd minute.
Valencia then took the lead from the penalty spot just four minutes later. Largie Ramazani converted coolly in the 27th minute, silencing the home crowd.
Villarreal responded swiftly, refusing to let Valencia settle. Santi Comesaña leveled the score in the 31st minute, guiding home an equalizer.
The half-hour mark saw a flurry of bookings. Ramazani received a yellow for roughing, followed by S. Mourino and J. Guerra for fouls.
Amidst this chaos, Villarreal earned another penalty. Pape Gueye stepped up and drilled it home in the 45+6th minute, sending the Yellow Submarine into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The dramatic end to the first half left Valencia needing to regroup. Villarreal, however, carried significant momentum into the dressing room.
The second half commenced with Villarreal focused on protecting their advantage. Valencia pushed forward, seeking an equalizer, but found Villarreal's defense resolute.
Substitutions began after the hour mark as managers sought fresh impetus. Pape Gueye, the match-winner, was replaced by Thomas Partey in the 58th minute. Valencia's U. Nunez received a yellow in the 65th minute.
Despite several tactical changes from both sides, neither team managed to find the back of the net again. Villarreal absorbed pressure; Valencia struggled to break through.
Villarreal demonstrated efficiency, converting their chances with an expected goals (xG) of 1.87 from 12 total shots. Valencia, despite 57% possession and an xG of 1.55, managed only three shots on target from eight attempts.
This hard-fought victory strengthens Villarreal's grip on third place in La Liga. For Valencia, the defeat keeps them entrenched in the lower half of the table.
