Marcelino’s side claimed their first ever home victory in a LALIGA season opener, defeating Real Oviedo thanks to goals from Etta Eyong and Pape Gueye
Villarreal began the 2025/26 season in the best possible way. The Yellows put an end to the curse that had haunted their opening-day fixtures at La Cerámica, beating Real Oviedo 2-0 and closing a run of eight home openers in the top flight without a win. Etta Eyong and Pape Gueye got the goals against a determined Oviedo side, who played an hour with ten men.
The Submarine started the campaign at home against Real Oviedo, who returned to the top flight 24 years later. The Yellows also faced the challenge of breaking a long-standing jinx: they had never won a Matchday 1 game in LALIGA when it was played at La Cerámica. Eight previous occasions, zero victories.
The game was special not only for the Asturians but also for Villarreal, who welcomed back one of their greatest legends: Santi Cazorla. At 40 years old, the magician from Asturias returned to La Cerámica as captain of his hometown club. Villarreal paid tribute by presenting him with a commemorative shirt marking his 334 appearances for the Submarine, while the fans greeted him with a heartfelt ovation in recognition of his extraordinary career.
With the opening whistle, the tributes gave way to action. Marcelino’s first starting XI of the season included Etta Eyong, as well as new signings Santiago Mouriño and Rafa Marín, who both made their debuts at La Cerámica.
In the 12th minute, the referee awarded Oviedo a penalty after a mix-up between Foyth and Luiz Júnior. Ilyas Chaira capitalised, and the Brazilian keeper was adjudged to have made contact. Salomón Rondón stepped up, but Luiz Júnior guessed correctly and denied him, sparking a roar from the stands.
Villarreal responded immediately with danger at the other end. Gerard Moreno combined with Pepe, who went through on goal but couldn’t find the finish. The Yellows began to push forward with increasing threat.
On 28 minutes, Oviedo were reduced to ten men. Alberto Reina received a second yellow card for a foul on Pepe near the box. From the resulting corner, Etta Eyong continued his fine scoring form with a powerful header to give Villarreal the lead.
With a man advantage, Villarreal pushed on and soon doubled their lead. In the 36th minute, Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from the edge of the box after a clever lay-off from Pepe.
The second half saw Villarreal dominate possession and look for a third goal, while Marcelino introduced changes to manage the game. Gerard Moreno went off with a knock and was replaced by Buchanan, while Moleiro and Parejo later came on for Foyth and Gueye. In the closing stages, Pedraza and Thomas Partey also got minutes.
The Yellows controlled the match with maturity, keeping Oviedo at bay. Yeremy Pino did find the net in added time, but the goal was ruled out for handball. The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory and three valuable points to kick off the new LALIGA season.
