Gueye’s brace lifts Villarreal from 1-0 down to a 3-1 win

Villarreal overturn early deficit to win 3-1

Villarreal defeated Malaga 3-1 at Estadio La Rosaleda on Thursday, September 17, securing their first win of the La Liga season. Malaga led at half-time, but Villarreal scored twice before the break and added a late penalty to complete the turnaround in Regular Season - 6.

Malaga strike first, Villarreal respond

Malaga made the faster start when Carlos Dotor opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting a move assisted by Juan Cruz. Villarreal then took control of the scoring before the interval. Alberto Moleiro equalised in the 40th minute after receiving the final pass from Ilias Akhomach Chakkour.

The visitors went ahead in first-half stoppage time. Pape Gueye finished a move created by Ayoze Pérez in the 45th minute, giving Villarreal a 2-1 lead at the break. Gueye had entered the game in the 37th minute, replacing Santi Comesaña, and became the defining figure of the match.

Gueye seals the result from the spot

Villarreal maintained their advantage after half-time and added a third goal in the 86th minute, when Gueye scored from a penalty. The goal completed his two-goal performance and removed any prospect of a late Malaga recovery. Moleiro also finished among the standout performers, with one goal, two shots on target and a match rating of 8.2.

The disciplinary record reflected a more heavily penalised Malaga performance. José Salinas, David Larrubia, Einar Galilea, Ramón Enríquez and Alfonso Herrero all received yellow cards. Herrero was booked in the 85th minute, one minute before Villarreal’s penalty. Ilias Akhomach Chakkour was Villarreal’s only player cautioned, and neither side received a red card.

Villarreal control territory and chances

The visitors produced the stronger overall numbers. Villarreal held 63% possession, completed 535 accurate passes from 594 total, and recorded 16 shots, including 12 from inside the box. Malaga had 37% possession, 281 accurate passes from 346, and five shots. Villarreal also led shots on target 7-1 and corners 8-4, while Malaga’s goalkeeper made three saves and Villarreal’s made none.

Those figures explain how Villarreal recovered after conceding first. Malaga did show greater efficiency with its limited opportunities, but the sustained difference in possession and attempts favoured the winner.

Result changes the teams’ early-season picture

Malaga entered the match 18th with three points from five games and a record of three draws and two defeats. The loss leaves them on three points after six matches and extends their recent sequence to three defeats and three draws. Villarreal began 19th with two points, no wins, two draws and three defeats. Their victory takes them to five points and changes their most recent form to a win after three defeats and two draws.