Villarreal CF suffered a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés in LaLiga EA Sports matchday 3, a result that leaves manager Iñigo's side without a win at the start of the 2026/27 season. Played on Friday, 28 August at 21:30 CEST at Mendizorroza in front of 15,556 fans, the match was decided by a Lucas Boyé goal in the first half and solidifies the Vitoria-based team's position at the top of the table.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Quique Sánchez Flores's Alavés displayed defensive solidity and efficiency to secure their third consecutive victory. Villarreal, meanwhile, created chances but lacked a cutting edge in the final third, a profligacy that has already cost them valuable points. With this stumble, the Yellow Submarine sits 12th in the standings, with just 2 points from a possible 9 after a start of zero wins, two draws, and one loss.
How was the match decided?
The winning move came in the 31st minute. Antonio Blanco, who was later named man of the match, played a long pass to Ángel Pérez on the right flank. Pérez controlled and crossed into the box for Lucas Boyé to finish with a precise strike past the visiting goalkeeper. Alavés managed their lead with tactical discipline. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera was crucial, making a key save from a Gerard Moreno effort, one of Villarreal's main threats alongside Gueye and Nicolas Pépé.
Villarreal sought a reaction with substitutions including Moleiro, Ilias, Freeman, and Ayoze, but luck was not on their side either. In the second half, Ángel Pérez hit the post in the 70th minute. Late on, in the 85th, Juan Foyth had a golden chance to equalize, but his shot also rattled the woodwork, bouncing twice before being cleared, sealing the fate of the match.
What does this result mean for the league table?
The defeat distances Villarreal CF from the upper positions in the early phase of the championship. The team has scored 4 goals but conceded 5, leaving them with a negative goal difference of -1. More concerning is the gap to the leaders: Alavés now holds a 5-point advantage over them. Checking the standings reveals the immediate challenge for Iñigo and his squad, who need to correct their course swiftly.
Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos showed several yellow cards in an intense match. Those booked were Abde Rebbach (48'), Nicolas Pépé (86'), Mariano (89'), Antonio Sivera (92'), and Renato Veiga (92').
What's next for Villarreal CF?
The focus must now shift to mental and footballing recovery. The fixture list offers an immediate opportunity to react. The next league commitment is at home on 5 September 2026 against Deportivo La Coruña, a rival currently in 11th place. It's a direct clash against a team nearby in the table, making the three points essential to change the dynamic. Fans can follow the team's progress and plan for that match via our fixtures page.
The work during the week will be intense to improve attacking efficiency and defensive solidity. With a quality squad, confidence in a swift turnaround should be the prevailing message at the training ground.
