Villarreal CF secured their second consecutive home victory in LALIGA EA Sports with a resounding 5-0 win over Girona FC, equalling their best-ever top-flight winning margin
The Yellow Submarine continued their strong start to the season. A hat-trick from Tajon Buchanan, a goal from Pepe and another from Rafa Marín sealed a memorable afternoon of football at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Villarreal dominated in both boxes, scoring five and conceding none.
Only six minutes had passed when a poor touch from Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera was punished by Pepe, who fired home to open the scoring and give Villarreal the perfect start. The Ivorian, who has impressed in the opening rounds of the season, set the tone for what was to come.
The visitors attempted to react, but Villarreal’s defensive solidity ensured there were no surprises.
By the quarter-hour mark, Buchanan had already joined the party. After a moment of individual brilliance, the Canadian found the back of the net with his right foot to make it 2-0. Villarreal were in complete control.
The chances kept coming, and in the 20th minute a breakaway led by Santi Comesaña almost brought the third. Pepe’s clever footwork gave him space in the box, but he was denied his second of the night.
Just four minutes later, Villarreal extended their lead. A set-piece delivery from Yeremy Pino was met by Rafa Marín, who powered in the third goal.
The Submarine were relentless. Another incisive run from Yeremy in the 27th minute ended with a clever ball into the six-yard box. Buchanan reacted quickest, slotting in for 4-0 to all but seal the contest before half-time.
The second half began much like the first had ended, with Villarreal firmly on top. Girona gradually showed signs of improvement, but they never truly troubled Luiz Júnior in goal.
Past the hour mark, Pepe’s dazzling display earned him a standing ovation as he made way for Ilias in the 62nd minute.
But the spotlight belonged to Buchanan. Just a minute later, the Canadian completed his hat-trick with another fine finish. It was the first of his professional career and Villarreal’s fifth goal of the night.
With the match decided, the tempo slowed in the closing stages. Referee Guillermo Cuadra eventually blew the final whistle to confirm a 5-0 victory, a performance that underlined Villarreal’s excellent start to the league campaign.
