Villarreal Catch Atletico Madrid after Emphatic 4-1 Win over Espanyol

Key Takeaways:

• Villarreal earned a 4-1 victory over Espanyol in the final fixture of La Liga’s 23rd round
• The Yellow Submarine reached 45 points, matching Atletico Madrid but trailing on goal difference
• Espanyol suffered their fourth successive defeat and remain in 6th place with 34 points

Match Overview

Villarreal produced a sparkling performance to claim a 4-1 triumph against Espanyol in the concluding encounter of the 23rd round of La Liga. After a series of lacklustre displays, the hosts rediscovered their attacking prowess, moving to 45 points alongside Atletico Madrid in the standings, though still ranked below them due to inferior goal difference.

Despite early tension that persisted until the closing moments of the first half, Villarreal seized control with a flurry of goals on either side of the interval. By the 55th minute, the scoreline was a resounding 4-0. Espanyol could only muster a consolation goal late in proceedings.

¡Los tres puntos se quedan en casa! ¡El Villarreal vuelve a la senda de la victoria tras una sobresaliente actuación ante el RCD Espanyol! Endavant! 💛#VillarrealEspanyol pic.twitter.com/usvYUuAUMJ

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) February 9, 2026

Detailed Match Analysis

The home side’s offensive efforts were particularly impressive, creating numerous opportunities in the opening stages but failing to convert until the 35th minute. Tajon Buchanan intelligently headed the ball down into the path of Georges Mikautadze, who volleyed home to make it 1-0.

Shortly afterwards, Alberto Moleiro surged into the penalty area and sent a driven cross towards goal. In attempting to clear, Jose Salinas inadvertently deflected the ball past his own goalkeeper, Marko Dmitrovic, granting Villarreal a second goal.

Villarreal continued their dominance just after the break. Nicolas Pépé further extended their lead in the 50th minute. Five minutes later, Alberto Moleiro added his name to the scoresheet, expertly finishing into the far corner past Dmitrovic. Espanyol’s lone response came in the 88th minute with a header converted by Cabrera following a cross from Cyril Ngonge.

Implications for the Table

This victory enables Villarreal to catch Atletico Madrid on 45 points, though they remain behind due to an inferior goal difference. Espanyol, meanwhile, have now endured four consecutive losses and sit sixth in the table with 34 points.