Mikautadze's 96th-minute winner seals Villarreal comeback at Valencia

Georges Mikautadze scored a spectacular 96th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 comeback victory for Villarreal CF at Valencia's Mestalla on Tuesday. Iñigo Pérez's side overcame a first-half penalty and two red cards to claim all three points in a dramatic derby. This result, coming from a recent run of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches, leaves Villarreal 12th in La Liga with 9 points from nine games, having recorded two wins, three draws, and four defeats.

Valencia had taken the lead in the 38th minute through a José Luis García Vayá penalty. Villarreal, who dominated with 62% possession and 15 shots, found an equaliser in the 69th minute via Alex Freeman. The deadlock was broken at the death when Alberto Moleiro set up Mikautadze for the decisive goal. A contentious match also featured a disallowed goal for offside and red cards for Valencia's Pape Gueye and Villarreal's Elliott.

Manager Iñigo Pérez praised his team's spirit. "The team came back in the second half and stormed Mestalla in added time," he said after the final whistle. The win provides vital breathing room for Villarreal, who move up to 12th in the La Liga standings with 9 points, just one point off the top ten. The team had only managed one win in their previous five league outings. In the overall season, the team has scored 13 goals and conceded 13, maintaining a zero goal difference.

Villarreal CF's next fixture is at home to 16th-placed Espanyol on Saturday, 30 October. The dramatic victory at Mestalla allows the team to approach the upcoming match with renewed confidence, putting distance between themselves and the relegation zone. The win against Valencia follows other recent results including a 4-3 loss to Liverpool, a 0-0 draw with Elche, a 3-1 victory over Napoli, and a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid, in a period of mixed form for the side.

Background and full detail: Record MX