Villarreal CF has confirmed its progress by securing the second consecutive victory of the season, this time against Levante with a 3-1 scoreline. This win allows the yellow team, managed by Iñigo Pérez, to move past a difficult start to the league and begin building a competitive squad. The magic of Akhomach and Moleiro, along with goals from Ayoze, Moleiro, and Mikautadze, were key to achieving the three points.
Despite the improvement, the team once again showed defensive and mental frailties. With the score at 2-1, insecurities resurfaced due to the difficulty in sealing the match, an aspect to be corrected before the next international break.
The initial approach, similar to the previous match against Málaga, opted for continuity in the lineup, with the only forced change being Pape Gueye replacing the injured Santi Comesaña. Levante, playing defensively, waited for Villarreal's pressure to launch quick counter-attacks.
Villarreal applied the tactics that proved successful in Málaga, with wingers wide and full-backs creating numerical advantages. The connection between Freeman and Ilias Akhomach was a constant threat to the Levante defense during the first half. Despite chances created by Ayoze, Moleiro, and Saliba, the score remained unchanged until the 41st minute, when Ayoze managed to beat goalkeeper Ryan after a fine assist from Moleiro.
The highlight came shortly before halftime when, in Levante's first dangerous approach, Iván Romero scored the equalizer with a spectacular overhead kick. The second half began with another goal for the home side, scored by Moleiro, assisted by Akhomach, following high pressure that forced a rival error.
In the final half-hour, Villarreal struggled to secure the win. Fears resurfaced, and only the introduction of players like Gerard, Mouriño, Nicolas Pepe, and Mikautadze brought freshness. Levante had a chance to equalize through a shot from Musuayi that Mouriño cleared off the line, and a corner from Ndukwe went wide. Finally, Mikautadze sealed the match in the 89th minute, after a recovery and assist from Moleiro, making it 3-1.
Villarreal was superior and deserved the victory, although it was harder than expected. The quality and finishing of the players from La Plana Baixa were decisive in achieving a win that allows them to look upwards.
