Villarreal put four past Sevilla, reach 70 points and set a new club goalscoring record
Villarreal brought the curtain down on a fantastic season with a 4-2 win over Sevilla on the final day of LALIGA. With Champions League qualification already secured, there was nothing at stake, but plenty to celebrate. The Yellow Submarine enjoyed a party atmosphere at the Estadio de la Cerámica, where Sevilla played the role of special guest. A brace from Pape Gueye and brilliant goals from Yeremy Pino and Álex Baena gave Marcelino’s men the win, ending the campaign with some impressive numbers: 70 points and 71 goals scored, setting a new all-time goalscoring record for the club in the top flight.
A spectacular atmosphere welcomed the players to the pitch, with 20,000 flags waving and the Villarreal anthem ringing out around the stadium. It was a fitting setting for a match filled with emotion and celebration, including goodbyes for several players, such as the iconic Raúl Albiol, who received tributes from the fans, the club and his teammates.
In the third minute, the crowd rose as one to chant the name of their captain. The tribute from the stands was followed on the pitch by a superb opener from Yeremy, who marked the goal by lifting a shirt dedicated to Albiol.
Villarreal made a start worthy of the occasion. Just four minutes after the first goal, Pape Gueye doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Another goal to savour.
After that explosive start, the match settled, with both sides finding more balance. Sevilla pulled one back just before the half-hour mark with their first real chance of the game. Sow headed home a pinpoint cross from Suso to make it 2-1.
Villarreal responded before the break with a stunning goal from Álex Baena. The midfielder showed incredible skill to beat his defender in the box before finishing past the Sevilla keeper with the tip of his right boot. The goal brought the crowd to its feet once more, who burst into chants of “Baena, stay!”
The home side extended their lead early in the second half. Pape Gueye fired in his second of the night with a clinical finish from close range, capitalising on a perfect assist from Thierno Barry.
With the score at 4-1, the crowd began a Mexican wave around La Cerámica. It was briefly paused to give a rousing ovation to Baena and Yeremy, who made way for Gerard Moreno and Nicolas Pépé.
Marcelino took the opportunity to make further changes, bringing on academy talents like Etta Eyong and handing a first-team debut to Dani Requena — the eighth youth player to be given minutes this season.
In the 85th minute, Sevilla added a consolation through Ramón Martínez, whose shot bounced in off the post.
In the end, Villarreal signed off with a 4-2 win and kicked off a celebration that spilled from the pitch into the stands at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
