Villarreal produced a composed and clinical performance to claim a 2-0 victory over Valencia in the regional derby at Mestalla on Saturday, extending their impressive run in LaLiga and reaffirming their credentials as genuine top-four contenders. Goals from Gerard Moreno and Santi Comesaña sealed the win, while across the Basque Country, Getafe stunned Athletic Club 1-0 thanks to a decisive strike from Borja Mayoral.
The victory for Villarreal, often dubbed the “Yellow Submarine,” came on a night when their experience, discipline, and attacking efficiency outshone a disjointed Valencia side struggling for rhythm and confidence. The result further cements Villarreal’s position in third place, just four points behind leaders Real Madrid and two adrift of Barcelona, who meet in the highly anticipated Clásico on Sunday.
Moreno Marks Milestone with Precision and Poise
Villarreal’s talisman Gerard Moreno once again delivered when it mattered most. On his 300th appearance for the club, the veteran striker showcased his trademark composure from the spot, converting a penalty in the 45th minute to give his side a crucial lead just before halftime. The penalty was awarded after Moreno himself was brought down in the area by José Manuel Copete, and he made no mistake, sending Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili the wrong way with a precise left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The goal not only set the tone for Villarreal’s second-half dominance but also highlighted Moreno’s enduring influence on the team. Having battled multiple injuries in recent seasons, the 33-year-old continues to lead by example, extending his all-time club scoring record to an impressive 121 goals.
“I’m proud to have reached 300 games for Villarreal, and to do it with a win in such a tough stadium makes it even more special,” said Moreno after the match. “The penalty opened up the game, and we could have scored more in the second half.”
Comesana Doubles the Advantage
Villarreal’s control was rewarded again in the 57th minute when Santi Comesaña doubled their lead. The midfielder reacted sharply to a rebound after Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala parried a fierce strike from Georges Mikautadze. Comesaña’s quick instincts and composure in front of goal left the home crowd stunned, effectively ending Valencia’s hopes of a comeback.
From that point, Villarreal dictated the tempo with authority, moving the ball with confidence and composure while keeping Valencia’s attack at bay. The hosts, frustrated and lacking creativity, were met with jeers from their own supporters at the final whistle.
The result was a testament to Villarreal’s tactical discipline under their current setup, blending experience with emerging talent. With Moreno, Comesaña, and Mikautadze leading the charge, the “Yellow Submarine” look poised to maintain pressure on Spain’s elite as the season progresses.
Getafe Silence San Mames
Earlier in the day, Getafe secured a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés — a result that could prove pivotal in their quest for mid-table stability. Borja Mayoral, in fine form this season, netted the only goal of the match in the 75th minute, tapping home from close range after a well-orchestrated attacking move.
The goal came as a result of sustained pressure from Getafe, who grew into the game after a balanced first half. Mayoral’s sharp movement and predatory instincts made the difference, earning him his fifth goal of the campaign and helping his side claim an important three points away from home.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Athletic Club struggled to break down Getafe’s compact defensive structure. The hosts’ frustrations were compounded in stoppage time when late chances went begging, sealing a narrow defeat that dents their European aspirations.
LaLiga Picture Tightens Ahead of El Clasico
The outcomes of both matches add further intrigue to the LaLiga table. Villarreal’s win keeps them firmly in contention near the top, while Getafe’s resilience continues to earn them valuable results against higher-ranked opposition. For Valencia and Athletic Club, the defeats underline growing inconsistencies that have hindered their progress in recent weeks.
With the Clásico looming between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Villarreal’s latest display serves as a reminder that the chase for the top spots in LaLiga remains wide open. Gerard Moreno’s milestone night and Santi Comesana’s sharp finish may prove to be the foundation for a sustained push toward European qualification — and possibly more.
As for Getafe, Mayoral’s match-winning strike ensures that José Bordalás’ men continue to punch above their weight, combining grit, tactical awareness, and opportunistic finishing the hallmarks of their impressive season so far.
