At La Rosaleda, Villarreal opened their season account with a 3-1 comeback win over Málaga. The visitors made a poor start when Dotor put Málaga ahead, but quickly found their footing and took control.
Pape Gueye made the difference, scoring twice to wipe out Málaga’s early lead. Moleiro added a third, and Málaga could not recover. Villarreal stayed composed and organized, in line with coach Íñigo Pérez’s approach, and responded well after conceding first.
Villarreal had 63% possession and registered seven shots on target, while Málaga managed just one.
The stadium was packed, with 28,505 Málaga fans in attendance. Villarreal’s goals gradually quieted the home crowd. After the game, Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero spoke about the disappointment of losing and thanked supporters for their backing.
Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz took charge, with Carlos del Cerro handling VAR. ESPN noted Villarreal’s stronger attacking numbers and higher xG throughout the game.
Coverage included live commentary and tactical analysis. MARCA focused on the basic moments and the effect of Villarreal’s quick goals after Málaga’s strong start.
Before this match, Villarreal had not won any of their first five league games, recording two draws and three losses with a -3 goal difference. The victory was seen as a impressive turning point in their season.
BBC Sports
The match in Málaga drew a big crowd and showed the appeal of live football in Spain, much like the recent street exhibition in Bilbao. Both events highlight the place public gatherings hold in Spanish life, from stadiums to city streets.
Villarreal’s win at La Rosaleda could change the course of their season after a difficult start. Their response to the early goal and composure under pressure showed maturity that may help them going forward. For Málaga, the loss is a setback, while the strong home turnout reflects the city’s passion for football.
