The League
8:00 p.mFebruary 9, 2026
Regular season – 23
Ceramic Stadium
Referee: Adrian Cordero Vega, Spain
Villarreal
spanish
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.76
Expected Goals (xG)
0.42
-2.00
Prevented goals
-2.00
Passing by
376 (89%)
Accurate passes
366 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Marko Dmitrović
5.3
d
Jose Salinas
6′ Holding41′
d
Leandro Cabrera (C)
88′
5
d
Fernando Calero
6.2
23
d
Omar El Hilali
5.9
10
m
Paul Lozano
6.9
4
m
Urko Gonzalez
7.0
24
m
Tyrhys Dolan
6.7
m
Edu Exposito
53′ Holding
11
m
Milla pears
6.5
9
F
Roberto Fernandez
6.2
Classification of the League – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Villarreal put in a dominant performance at the Estadio de la Ceràmica, securing a comprehensive 4-1 win over Espanyol in La Liga.
Goals from Georges Mikautadze, Nicolas Pépé and Alberto Moleiro highlighted the offensive prowess and clinic of the Yellow Submarine. Going into the game, Villarreal were aiming to cement their top-four aspirations, with a wave of impressive recent performances. Espanyol, despite their commendable sixth position, have arrived in shaky ‘LLLDL’ form, desperate to reverse their luck on the road.
The match started with an early intensity. Espanyol thought they had taken the lead in the 12th minute through Oumar El Hilali. However, the VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for an infringement and keeping the score level. Villarreal then began to assert control of the midfield. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Georges Mikautadze opened the scoring after a precise assist from Tajon Buchanan.
The Yellow Submarine extended their lead shortly before the break. A stroke of misfortune for Espanyol saw defender Javi Salinas deflect the ball into his own net in the 41st minute, doubling Villarreal’s lead. Despite Espanyol’s slight possession of the ball, Villarreal’s offensive efficiency was undeniable. They went into the break with a 2-0 lead. Espanyol faced a difficult task, needing a good response in the second half.
Villarreal wasted no time in the second half, quickly extinguishing Espanyol’s hopes of a comeback. Just five minutes after the restart, Nicolas Pépé found the back of the net in the 50th minute, expertly finishing a move started by the lively Alberto Moleiro. The home side continued their relentless attack, piling on the pressure. Five minutes later, Moleiro himself got on the scoresheet, slotting home in the 55th minute with Mikautadze turning provider, sealing a commanding four-goal lead.
The Espanyol coach reacted with multiple substitutions around the hour mark, introducing Cyril Ngonge. Defender Leandro Cabrera finally grabbed a late consolation for Espanyol in the 88th minute, heading home from an assist from Ngonge. Villarreal’s clinical advantage was undeniable. Three shots on goal led to three goals, beating his 0.76 expected goals (xG). Espanyol’s 0.42 xG and two shots on goal highlighted their struggle. Nicolas Pépé earned a rating of 9.0 for his shocking performance.
This decisive victory reinforces Villarreal’s dominance in a European classification place in the League. For Espanyol, the result extends their poor run of form, requiring immediate tactical adjustments and improved performance in the coming games.
