Villarreal come from behind in a thriller against Valencia and strengthen their place in the Champions League spots
Derby delight. Villarreal defeated Valencia in a vibrant clash at La Cerámica (2-1). The Yellow Submarine came back from a tough battle in which the visitors took the lead through a Ramazani penalty, but the home side ended up claiming the win thanks to goals from Comesaña and Pape Gueye — the latter also from the penalty spot. With this victory, Villarreal savour a sweet triumph over their regional rivals and deliver a powerful statement in the fight for a Champions League place.
The Submarine faced their second derby of a week packed with regional clashes. After a hard‑fought win against Levante UD at the Ciutat de València (0-1), the Yellow Submarine hosted Valencia CF for what promised to be a spectacular showdown at La Cerámica. At stake: three points that would allow Villarreal to consolidate their Champions League position, while Valencia dreamed of climbing up the table in the final stretch of the season.
Marcelino made only one change compared to the XI used against Levante. Renato Veiga came in for Rafa Marín, who missed the match for personal reasons. Luiz Júnior, Mouriño, Pau Navarro, Cardona, Nicolas Pepe, Comesaña, Gueye, Moleiro, Mikautadze and Ayoze Pérez all kept their places.
As any real derby should, the match promised high emotions. Even before kick‑off, both sets of fans were already warming up the atmosphere with chants ringing around La Cerámica. Villarreal started extremely strong, playing vertically and stepping into the opposition box. Inside the opening minute, Nicolas Pepe broke into the area and was stepped on — an action that Gil Manzano did not spot. The tone was set: intensity and controversy from the very beginning.
In the opening stages, Villarreal pressed aggressively and pinned back a Valencia side defending in a low block and trying to counter using the pace of Ramazani and Sadiq behind the Yellow Submarine’s defensive line.
In the 25th minute, VAR, led by Del Cerro Grande — silent in the early action — did call Gil Manzano to check a possible foul by Luiz Júnior on Sadiq. After reviewing the play, the referee awarded a penalty, and Ramazani converted it. From the spot, the Belgian forward made it 0-1.
Despite the blow of going behind, Villarreal reacted with determination. In a flash, Santi Comesaña levelled the match (1-1). The Galician midfielder tucked the ball into the net after a rebound from an Ayoze effort, restoring parity right at the half‑hour mark.
With the equaliser on the scoreboard, Villarreal took control of the ball. Approaching half‑time, Copete cleared a dangerous header from Nicolas Pepe off the line, preventing the second goal for the hosts. Pepe’s effort had slipped through Dimitrievski’s legs, but the academy graduate saved Valencia.
In stoppage time of the first half, VAR once again intervened — this time to award a clear penalty in favour of Villarreal, after a Ramazani handball inside the area. From twelve yards, Pape Gueye remained ice‑cold, sending Dimitrievski the wrong way to complete Villarreal’s comeback on the scoreboard at La Cerámica (2-1).
The Yellow Submarine fans were loving it. Fired up, they sent their team to the break with chants and celebration after an epic comeback in a derby that had everything in the first 45 minutes: controversy, goals and an electrifying pace.
Villarreal did not slow down at the start of the second half. The Yellow Submarine continued creating chances, clearly aiming to extend their lead. Valencia, forced by the result, took more risks, pushed higher up the pitch and committed more players forward in search of an equaliser.
In the second half, Marcelino brought on Thomas, Buchanan and Pedraza — fresh legs, power and pace to handle the final stretch of the derby.
Valencia would get their opportunities. Carlos Corberán also made attacking substitutions, bringing on Hugo Duro and Danjuma. In the 78th minute, the Dutchman had a huge chance to equalise, but Luiz Júnior won the one‑on‑one duel after Danjuma had sprinted clear at high speed.
The Yellow Submarine shut the door and gave Valencia no way back. The visitors fought until the end but left La Cerámica empty‑handed.
