
The League
7:00 p.mFebruary 18, 2026
Regular season – 16
City of Valencia Stadium
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera, Spain


levant


Villarreal
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.24
Expected Goals (xG)
2.40
Passing by
407 (84%)
Accurate passes
275 (80%)

The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Villarreal secured a vital 1-0 away win against struggling Levante, with a second-half goal from Georges Mikautadze proving decisive. Nicolas Pépé provided the crucial assist for the game’s only goal.
The match at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia pitted 19th-placed Levante, struggling for relegation, against third-placed Villarreal, aiming to secure a Champions League qualification spot. Levant have tried to improve their recent LDWL form, while Villarreal have looked to strengthen their position.
The first half cautiously saw both teams. Levante tried to control the ball, building the game patiently. They had more possession but struggled to create clear chances.
Villarreal defended resolutely, looking for opportunities on the counterattack. The match intensified, and the referee booked Carlos Espi for Levante in the 31st minute for a foul.
Shortly before the break, Isaac Losada of Levant also received a yellow card for holding on. Despite various attempts, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested. The teams entered the break.
At half-time, the score remained scoreless. More attacking intent was needed from both sides. Villarreal aimed to convert their fewer but clear chances, and Levante needed to turn their possession into real threats.
Finally, the tie was broken in the 57th minute. Nicolas Pépé made an incisive pass. Georges Mikautadze guided the ball expertly, giving Villarreal a precious lead.
After the goal, Vila-real’s A. Pérez received a yellow card in the 60th minute, reflecting Levante’s immediate pressure. Llevant responded with three substitutions in the 65th minute, bringing on Matias Moreno and Ugo Raghouber to equalise.
The Yellow Submarine strengthened its defense as Levante advanced. Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña picked up yellow cards late on for Villarreal, struggling to hold on to a narrow lead. Levant’s efforts were frustrated; Jonathan Toljan has received a yellow card in the 85th minute.
Villarreal’s victory came despite only having 41% possession. Their attacking threat was clear, with expected goals (xG) of 2.4 compared to Levante’s 1.24. The two goalkeepers, Mathew Ryan and Luiz Júnior, made four saves each, highlighting their solid performances.
This crucial away win reinforces Villarreal’s hold on third place in La Liga, creating distance with their rivals. For Levante, the defeat deepens their relegation worries, leaving them anchored in the bottom three.

