Villarreal CF earned their first three points in the UEFA Champions League league phase with a 3-1 comeback victory over SSC Napoli on Tuesday at La Cerámica. Iñigo Pérez's side responded after conceding an early goal to secure a win that boosts confidence ahead of their La Liga match against Elche CF.
The Italian visitors took the lead in the 8th minute through Amir Rrahmani. The Yellow Submarine's response was swift. Georges Mikautadze levelled the score in the 23rd minute and, just three minutes later, Álvaro Mouriño completed the turnaround following a pass from Gerard Moreno. The result was sealed in the 86th minute with a goal from Tani Oluwaseyi, assisted by Ayoze Pérez.
Head coach Iñigo Pérez was pleased with his team's reaction. "This victory in the Champions League gives us a lot of confidence," said the manager. He acknowledged Napoli started well and posed problems, but highlighted Villarreal's ability to impose their game after the early setback. "Every match in this competition is a different story, a final, and today we knew how to adapt," he added.
The win comes after a 1-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend, a result that leaves Villarreal in 11th place in La Liga with 8 points. Attention now turns to the next domestic fixture. On Saturday 17 October they host 18th-placed Elche CF in a key match to improve their position in the standings.
Pérez stated the team must enjoy this European triumph before focusing on the league challenge. "I am a lover of stadium atmospheres," the coach said, thanking the fans for their support on a special night at La Cerámica. With this victory, Villarreal moves on from last season's drought in the top continental competition and faces a European schedule that includes Liverpool and PSG with renewed belief. The full squad and upcoming lineups can be found on the squad page.
Background and full detail: Villarreal CF.es
Tuesday's triumph ended Villarreal's run of seven consecutive defeats in the Champions League, the club confirmed. The team, 11th in La Liga with 8 points, secured a "hard-fought and gritty" victory, according to manager Iñigo Pérez. The coach highlighted the reaction after Napoli's early goal to impose their own game.
