Late strike breaks Valencia hearts

Villarreal secured a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Valencia. Iñigo Pérez's side completed a full comeback after Pepelu had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. Alex Freeman equalized after the break, before substitute Georges Mikautadze snatched all three points for the visitors in the 96th minute. Both teams finished with 10 men, as Pape Gueye was sent off in the 79th minute, while Valencia substitute Harvey Elliott picked up two quick yellow cards for dissent just before the end of normal time.

Valencia remain winless in their last seven home matches, keeping Javier Aguirre's side in the relegation zone, while the Yellow Submarine climbed to eighth place.

Villarreal dominated possession in the early stages of the regional derby, though it failed to yield many clear-cut opportunities. The visitors registered eight attempts without reply in the opening half-hour, with Stole Dimitrievski producing a fine save to deny Buchanan. However, the momentum shifted after a lengthy VAR review prompted the referee to award the hosts a penalty, which Pepelu calmly dispatched.

The game became fragmented towards the end of the first half, but regained its rhythm after the interval as Villarreal took the initiative. A goal by César Tárrega was ruled out for offside, followed by chances at both ends. Freeman brought the visitors level in the 69th minute with a powerful header from Cardona's cross. Villarreal were reduced to ten men ten minutes later when Gueye was dismissed for an elbow. Valencia failed to capitalize on the man advantage, and substitute Harvey Elliott was also sent off shortly before stoppage time, receiving two rapid yellow cards for dissent. Deep into added time, substitute Mikautadze broke the home fans' hearts, driving forward and finishing smartly to claim victory for Villarreal.