The League
7:30 p.mApril 23, 2026
Regular season – 33
Carlos Tartiere New Stadium
Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, Spain
Oviedo
Villarreal
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.88
Expected Goals (xG)
1.33
Passing by
475 (87%)
Accurate passes
334 (82%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
G
Aaron Scandell
37′ rough
25
d
Javi Lopez
6.7
12
d
Dani Calvo (C)
6.3
2
d
Eric Bailly
7.2
22
d
Nacho Vidal
6.2
11
M
Santiago Colombatto
7.3
6
M
not really
6.6
15
M
Thiago Fernandez
6.7
5
M
Alberto Reina
6.3
9
F
Federico Viñas
6.9
trainer
Guillermo Almada Alves Jorge
25
G
Arnau Tenas
6.6
23
d
Sergio Cardona
7.2
12
d
Renato Vega
6.3
6
d
Pau Navarro
6.6
15
d
Santiago Mourinho
7.3
11
M
Alfonso Gonzalez
6.0
10
M
Dani Parejo (C)
7.0
18
M
Papa Gueye
6.9
17
M
Tajon Buchanan
6.7
21
F
Who is this Lord?
6.3
F
Nicolas Pepe
13′
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Oviedo and Villarreal shared the spoils in a closely contested La Liga match at the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, with Nicolas Pépé’s early penalty canceled out by a second-half goal from Ilyas Chaira.
Villarreal arrived in Asturias as favourites. The visitors finished third in the table with 61 points from 31 games, while Oviedo occupied the relegation zone with just 27 points. The home side were in desperate need of points to escape danger, but they were up against a team in excellent form.
The match broke out within minutes. Oviedo’s defense conceded a penalty in the 13th minute, and Pépé advanced to convert from the spot. The Villarreal winger confidently struck the keeper to give the visitors an early lead.
Oviedo responded with intensity and controlled possession throughout the first half. The home team created several chances but did not miss the target to trouble the Villarreal goalkeeper. Possession statistics showed that Oviedo dominated with 58 percent of the ball, while Villarreal’s counter-attacking threat remained constant.
Villarreal’s Santiago Mouriño received a yellow card in the 37th minute for a hasty tackle. The visitors maintained their lead until the break, but Oviedo’s performance suggested they were very much in the game.
In the second half, Oviedo stepped up their efforts. The home team continued to dominate possession and create chances. His persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Chaira fired past the Villarreal goalkeeper to tie the game.
Chaira’s goal galvanized the home crowd and shifted the momentum to Oviedo. The midfielder struck with precision after receiving a clear opportunity in the box. Villarreal struggled to regain their composure after the draw.
Both teams struggled for a winner in the closing stages. Oviedo created several dangerous moments but could not find the breakthrough. Villarreal’s defense held firm despite the growing pressure from the home team.
The statistics reflect Oviedo’s dominance. The local team recorded 16 shots in total compared to Villarreal’s seven. Oviedo’s expected goals figure was 0.88, while Villarreal’s xG was 1.33. Despite the visitors’ higher xG, Oviedo’s volume of play deserves at least a draw.
Pépé put in an excellent display for Villarreal, earning an 8.5 rating and converting his penalty with aplomb. Chaira proved the same influence for Oviedo with a 7.9 rating and a crucial goal. Both midfielders created key passes throughout the game.
Villarreal’s Álvaro Escandell received a yellow card in the 37th minute, while Moleiro received a late booking in the 90th+7th minute. The game remained competitive but generally disciplined.
The tie leaves Villarreal third with 62 points in 32 games. Oviedo remains in the bottom three with 28 points in 32 games. The result represents valuable progress for the home side’s survival hopes, although they must continue to pick up points from their remaining games.
