Marcelino’s side enjoyed a number of unforgettable evenings during a campaign that ended with Champions League qualification
Villarreal CF experienced some fantastic moments throughout the 2024/25 season. The Yellows picked up memorable victories, celebrated goals that will live long in the memory and took part in tributes and celebrations that will go down in club history.
With the campaign now complete, here’s a look back at ten unforgettable moments:
1. Last-gasp win over RC Celta (4-3)
In the 100th minute, Villarreal snatched victory over Celta (4-3) at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Dani Parejo scored a last-gasp winner to settle a seven-goal thriller.
Sergi Cardona, Thierno Barry, a Jailson own goal and Parejo were on target for the Yellows, while Borja Iglesias, Mingueza and Starfelt scored for the visitors.
2. Tribute to DANA victims and win over Alavés (3-0)
Villarreal CF paid tribute to the victims of the DANA floods that hit southern Valencia in late October.
Against Alavés, the Yellows wore black at home for the first time ever. A giant Comunitat Valenciana flag was displayed, and the regional anthem rang out. Villarreal went on to win 3-0 thanks to goals from Ilias Akhomach, Dani Parejo and Santi Comesaña.
3. Thierno Barry’s hat-trick against CD Leganés (2-5)
Thierno Barry bagged his first hat-trick for Villarreal CF in a big win at Butarque.
The French striker became the 11th player in the club’s history to score a LaLiga hat-trick, joining names like Juan Román Riquelme, Diego Forlán, Ike Uche, Cédric Bakambu, Carlos Bacca, Gerard Moreno, Arnaut Danjuma, Yeremy Pino, José Luis Morales and Alexander Sorloth.
4. Four goals in eight minutes vs Mallorca (4-0)
Villarreal blew away Mallorca with four goals in eight sensational minutes. Logan Costa opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by goals from Álex Baena (24’), Dani Parejo (26’) and Yeremy Pino (28’) in a stunning attacking display at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
5. Alfonso Pedraza returns from injury
Alfonso Pedraza made his long-awaited comeback after recovering from a serious ankle injury that kept him out for months.
The left-back returned to action in an official match against Rayo Vallecano (0-1) at the Estadio de Vallecas.
6. Statement win at the Benito Villamarín (1-2)
Villarreal’s 2-1 victory over Real Betis was one of the most decisive moments in the race for the Champions League.
Marcelino’s side got the better of a Betis team that had enjoyed a strong second half of the season. Goals from Thierno Barry and Ayoze Pérez secured three vital points in what felt like a Champions League play-off.
7. Etta Eyong steps up in Girona
Villarreal picked up yet another win at Montilivi (0-1), maintaining their perfect LaLiga record there.
In the closing minutes, B team striker Etta Eyong rose highest to head home the winner, keeping Villarreal’s Champions League dream alive—especially after Betis dropped points at home to Osasuna (1-1).
8. Ayoze Pérez seals Zarra Trophy with brace against Leganés
Ayoze Pérez scored twice against CD Leganés (3-0), overtaking Oihan Sancet in the race for the Zarra Trophy.
His brace was a masterclass in clinical finishing, and a later goal against Barcelona at the Lluís Companys took his tally to 19 LaLiga goals—enough to win him the prestigious individual prize.
9. Submarine secure Champions League spot by beating the champions
Villarreal CF sealed Champions League qualification in style by defeating LaLiga EA Sports champions FC Barcelona (2-3) at their own ground.
Ayoze opened the scoring, before Lamine Yamal and Fermín López struck for Barça. However, second-half goals from Santi Comesaña and Tajon Buchanan sealed a historic victory for the Yellows.
10. A Champions League party and a heartfelt farewell to Raúl Albiol
The final matchday of the season was a true celebration for Villarreal. The Yellows hosted Sevilla to mark their qualification for the Champions League and say goodbye to club legend Raúl Albiol.
There was music, speeches and plenty of emotion before La morocha and the Champions League anthem echoed around the stadium. The night ended with fireworks—capping off a season to remember.
