Villarreal CF more than met expectations in their debut in Spain and in Vila-real in a regional derby against Levante UD. The match, marked by the heat and the first start for goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi and the return of Juan Foyth six months after his injury, ended with a 1-0 victory for the Yellows.
In a match where both teams used a different lineup in each half, coach Iñigo Pérez used the duel, played at the Mini Estadi de la Ciudad Deportiva Llaneza, as a testing ground. The victory was forged in a great play between Mikautadze and Moleiro, which Logan Costa finished into a goal just past the hour mark. The Yellows had more and better opportunities, but Gulácsi was also a protagonist with three good saves.
Foyth's return was one of the notable news items. The Argentine, injured last January with an Achilles tendon rupture, was officially back on the field half a year later. In the first half, Sergi Cardona, Nico Pepe from a free-kick, and Gerard Moreno tested the rival goalkeeper Pablo Cuñat, while Gulácsi saved the locals with two great reflex saves.
After halftime, with numerous changes in both teams, Villarreal gained depth with players like Mikautadze and Moleiro. In the 62nd minute, an individual play by Mikautadze ended with an assist to Moleiro, who passed to Logan Costa to score the winning goal (1-0).
Villarreal will conclude their preseason next Saturday, August 8, visiting Istanbul to face Galatasaray, before the start of LaLiga on Sunday, August 16, in Santander against Real Racing Club.
