Pepelu emerged as the standout leader for Valencia this season, orchestrating a compelling victory on Tuesday with two successful penalties at minutes 27 and 57, following an early goal by Roman Yaremchuk at minute 4. The win solidified Valencia’s momentum as they defeated Villarreal at the Mestalla.
The regional clash, staged after the winter break, offered opportunities for several players to prove themselves. Valencia, sitting in tenth place with twenty-three points, highlighted the form of Guillamón and Canós, while Marcelino guided Villarreal, positioned thirteenth with nineteen points, toward an improved performance in this decisive encounter.
Valencia started with clear intent and unity. The team pressed with energy and purpose, and Rubén Baraja’s side quickly penetrated the yellow area. Four minutes into the game, Yaremchuk converted a precise finish after Pepelu sent a ball from his own half into the area, setting up Gayà for a composed finish past Jorgensen.
Valencia pushed forward with confidence as Yaremchuk carried his scoring form into the league fixture. The Ukrainian striker looked to complete a double, putting renewed pressure on Villarreal, who found themselves stunned by a swift Valencia surge.
Marcelino faced difficulties as his side had to cope with the exit of former Valencia defender Albiol to an injury, temporarily replaced by Bailly in the 17th minute. The visitors created their first meaningful chance through a left-footed flurry from Gerard and Alberto Moreno, but both were repelled by Mosquera and Mamardashvili in a sequence that underscored Valencia’s defensive resilience.
On the left flank, Gayà, Yaremchuk and Canós continued to exploit space, increasing the pressure on Villarreal. Shortly before the half-hour mark, Hugo Duro was fouled in the area by Terrats, and Gil Manzano awarded Valencia a penalty. Pepelu converted from eleven meters, beating Jorgensen to double the advantage for the home side.
Valencia managed the tempo with a careful, simple, fast, and collective approach, pinning Villarreal back and forcing the visitors into difficult situations. The home team pressed relentlessly, while Villarreal’s attempts remained largely untroubled by a solid Valencia defense. A late half chance saw Bailly miss narrowly outside after a rare forward foray, and Alberto Moreno’s effort was disallowed for offside, leaving the interval with Valencia in control and the crowd buoyant.
After the break, Villarreal appeared to seek control, yet the early rhythm eluded them. Valencia, though, stayed determined and remained intent on sealing the result. The second half presented chances for both sides, but the decisive moment came when Hugo Duro struck the woodwork and a handball by Altimira in the ensuing play awarded Valencia another penalty. Pepelu took the spot-kick again and, with his decisive touch, again found the back of the net past Jorgensen at minute 57, extending the lead to three goals.
The match concluded with Valencia asserting dominance and Villarreal struggling to find a meaningful reply. Although Gerard Moreno pulled a late goal back for Villarreal in the 73rd minute, the overall performance and result left a clear impression of Valencia’s confidence and collective execution. The result reinforced Valencia’s shape as a cohesive unit, while Villarreal faced the challenge of regrouping after a difficult spell, including a defensive lapse that contributed to the scoreline.
In the end, Valencia secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Villarreal, a performance that highlighted the team’s attacking balance on the left side and their ability to convert chances when it mattered most. This win underscored Valencia’s capacity to control games, maintain pressure, and take advantage of opportunities presented by strong counterpressing, marking a positive moment in their campaign as they navigate the remainder of the season.