In an intense La Liga clash at the Mestalla Stadium, Valencia hosted Villarreal in a match that promised high stakes for both sides. Valencia, struggling at the bottom of the table with just one point from their first four games, needed a win to turn their season around. Villarreal, on the other hand, came into the match undefeated, eager to extend their unbeaten streak and secure their place in the top four.
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Head-to-Head
Historically, Valencia and Villarreal have shared a fierce rivalry, with both teams often delivering closely contested matches. Coming into this fixture, Valencia had not secured a win in their last three encounters with Villarreal, adding more pressure on the home side to change the narrative.
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Lineups
Check the Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF lineups today (Aug 31) here.
Valencia (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Jesús Vázquez, Cristhian Mosquera, César Tárrega, Thierry Correia
- Midfielders: Luis Rioja, Pepelu, Hugo Guillamón, Diego López
- Forwards: Hugo Duro, André Almeida
Villarreal (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Diego Conde
- Defenders: Kiko Femenía, Raúl Albiol, Aissa Mandi, Juan Bernat
- Midfielders: Pape Gueye, Dani Parejo, Yeremy Pino, Ayoze Pérez, Thierno Barry
- Forward: Santi Comesaña
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF First Half
The first half kicked off with both teams looking to assert dominance early. Valencia started brightly, with Hugo Duro leading the charge. In the 24th minute, the home side broke the deadlock when Duro found the back of the net with a well-placed shot to the bottom left corner, capitalizing on a well-executed corner.
Villarreal, however, refused to be subdued. Just before halftime, in the 45+3 minute, Ayoze Pérez produced a moment of brilliance, firing a left-footed shot from outside the box into the top right corner, leaving Mamardashvili helpless. The first half ended with the teams level at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Second Half
The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner. Valencia created multiple chances, but Villarreal’s defense, led by Raúl Albiol, held firm. The momentum swung back and forth, with Valencia edging possession and Villarreal threatening on the counter.
A turning point came in the 68th minute when Pape Gueye received his second yellow card for a reckless foul, reducing Villarreal to ten men. Despite being a man down, Villarreal defended resolutely, frustrating Valencia’s attempts to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
As the match entered its final moments, Valencia pushed harder for the winner, but Villarreal’s goalkeeper, Diego Conde, made crucial saves to deny Sergi Canós and Javi Guerra. Despite their best efforts, Valencia could not find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Timeline
Check the Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF timeline today (Aug 31) here.
- 24′ – Goal! Valencia 1, Villarreal 0: Hugo Duro scores from the center of the box, assisted by a well-timed corner.
- 39′ – Yellow Card: Hugo Duro (Valencia) for a bad foul.
- 42′ – Yellow Card: Yeremy Pino (Villarreal) for a foul on Jesús Vázquez.
- 45+3′ – Goal! Valencia 1, Villarreal 1: Ayoze Pérez equalizes with a stunning shot from outside the box.
- 51′ – Yellow Card: Pepelu (Valencia) for a bad foul.
- 50′ – Yellow Card: Pape Gueye (Villarreal) for a foul on Hugo Duro.
- 68′ – Red Card: Pape Gueye (Villarreal) receives a second yellow card and is sent off.
- 83′ – Yellow Card: Raúl Albiol (Villarreal) for a foul.
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Stats
Check the Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF stats for today (Aug 31)
- Possession: Valencia 57.8% – Villarreal 42.2%
- Shots on Goal: Valencia 5 – Villarreal 2
- Shot Attempts: Valencia 22 – Villarreal 9
- Fouls: Valencia 15 – Villarreal 11
- Yellow Cards: Valencia 3 – Villarreal 3
- Red Cards: Valencia 0 – Villarreal 1
- Corner Kicks: Valencia 14 – Villarreal 3
- Saves: Valencia 1 – Villarreal 4
Valencia CF vs Villarreal CF Man of the Match
Ayoze Pérez was the standout performer for Villarreal, not only scoring the crucial equalizer but also being a constant threat throughout the match. His experience and composure were vital in securing a point for his team.
Valencia will be disappointed not to have secured all three points, especially after playing against ten men for the final 22 minutes. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, their inability to convert opportunities into goals cost them. Villarreal, on the other hand, will be pleased with a hard-earned point, showing resilience and determination to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
The draw leaves Valencia still searching for their first win of the season, while Villarreal continues to impress, staying in the top half of the table.
