Villarreal CF secured their first win of the season on Wednesday, coming from behind to beat Málaga 3-2 at La Rosaleda. Iñigo Pérez's side, now 14th in La Liga with five points, showed resilience to overcome a difficult start. This win comes after a challenging start to the season, having taken only two points from their previous five matches, with the team showing improved recent form following a draw in their last outing before this one.
Málaga took an early lead. An assist from Larrubia and an unfortunate deflection off Pau Navarro found Dotor, who beat Filip Jörgensen. Villarreal responded before the break. Moleiro, with a precise finish, leveled the match following a good team move.
Comeback in the second half
The second half was clearly dominated by the yellow submarine. Ilias Akhomach was a constant threat on the wing, while Mikautadze, introduced from the bench, rattled the post with a shot. The pressure paid off when Gueye completed his brace. First, he capitalized on a defensive error to make it 1-2 and, after a disallowed goal for Carlos Romero, converted a penalty to seal the 1-3. Ayoze, who provided the assist for Gueye's second, also had a clear chance with a header saved by Recio. Málaga grabbed a consolation goal in added time through a headed finish from Dotor, completing his own brace, but there was no time for more.
Iñigo Pérez valued the triumph positively. The manager stated that the project at this Villarreal laid its first solid stone and highlighted the team's reaction after going behind. The match also saw the loss of Comesaña, who was injured following a challenge from Salinas, and it was noted that Málaga, despite the defeat, seem more than they are. The Málaga coach, Pellicer, lamented the defensive errors that cost them the match.
With this win, Villarreal adds three key points before an international break. Gueye, scorer of two goals, is now the team's top scorer this season with three goals in six appearances. The next challenge is a high-voltage clash against second-placed Real Madrid on October 11th.
Background and full detail: marca.com
