Gerard Moreno’s 73rd-minute header lifted Villarreal to a crucial 2-1 victory over Espanyol at Estadio de la Cerámica, moving the Yellow Submarine up to seventh place in LaLiga’s congested middle tier.
The veteran striker rose unmarked at the back post to meet Álex Baena’s pinpoint cross, securing three points that had looked unlikely after Espanyol’s aggressive first-half performance threatened to derail Villarreal’s European aspirations.
Early Pressure from the Visitors
Espanyol struck first through Javi Puado in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Villarreal center-back Raúl Albiol. The Barcelona-based side’s direct approach troubled the hosts throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Puado and Joselu combining effectively in the final third.
“We knew they would come here and make it difficult,” Villarreal manager Quique Setién said after the match. “Espanyol has been fighting hard this season, and they showed that intensity from the first whistle.”
The visitors’ lead lasted until the 52nd minute when Baena converted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Espanyol goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco. The 22-year-old midfielder sent Pacheco the wrong way, burying his spot kick into the bottom left corner for his fourth goal of the campaign.
Moreno Provides the Winner
Moreno’s decisive header came at the perfect time for Villarreal, who had been pressing for a winner since equalizing. The 31-year-old forward, who has battled injuries this season, showed his aerial prowess by timing his run perfectly to meet Baena’s cross from the left flank.
The goal was Moreno’s seventh of the season in all competitions, matching his league total from the entire 2022-23 campaign. His partnership with Baena has become increasingly important as Villarreal seeks to qualify for European competition next season.
Espanyol manager Luis García Plaza made three substitutions in the final 15 minutes, bringing on fresh legs in search of an equalizer. However, Villarreal’s defense, marshaled by Albiol despite his earlier mistake, held firm to secure the victory.
Table Implications
The victory moves Villarreal to 31 points from 21 matches, level with sixth-place Real Sociedad and just four points behind fifth-place Athletic Bilbao. With European qualification still within reach, every point carries significant weight in the season’s final months.
For Espanyol, the defeat leaves them in 14th place with 24 points, maintaining a comfortable eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. The Catalan club has collected just one point from their last three away matches, highlighting their struggles on the road this season.
Villarreal dominated possession with 64 percent of the ball and registered 15 shots to Espanyol’s nine, but the visitors created several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities that kept the home crowd on edge throughout the contest.
Looking Ahead
The three points provide crucial momentum for Villarreal ahead of their upcoming Europa Conference League knockout stage matches. Setién’s side has now won three of their last four league matches, finding the consistency that eluded them earlier in the campaign.
Baena’s performance was particularly encouraging, as the young midfielder continues to develop into a key creative force. His penalty conversion and assist for the winner demonstrated the composure that has made him one of LaLiga’s most promising talents.
Villarreal will travel to face Celta Vigo next weekend, while Espanyol returns home to host Mallorca in what could prove to be another crucial match in their battle for mid-table security.
