Villarreal Secure Derby Victory Over Valencia to Extend Unbeaten Run

Key Takeaways:

• Villarreal recorded their third win in four games last night by defeating Valencia 2-1 in La Liga
• Largie Ramazani and Pape Gueye were on target for the hosts, while Santi Comesana netted Villarreal’s equaliser
• This result marked Villarreal’s fifth consecutive league match unbeaten against Valencia, as well as their ninth straight home clash without defeat in the H2H

Derby Overview and Opening Drama

Villarreal continued their revival in La Liga as they edged Valencia 2-1 in the fiercely contested Derbi de la Comunitat. The victory marked their third success in the last four games, while also handing Los Che a third defeat from their most recent six league encounters.

The match began with immediate controversy, as Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepe appeared to be fouled in the opening minute but the officials did not award a penalty. Pepe suffered a cut above his eye inside the first five minutes, setting the tone for a physical affair.

¡EL DERBI VUELVE A SER GROGUET! 💛#VillarrealValencia pic.twitter.com/FGJgiDqdES

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) February 22, 2026

Key Moments and Match Progression

Both sides struggled to create meaningful chances early on, with Pape Gueye’s free-kick the lone effort on target within 20 minutes. On the 22-minute mark, Valencia capitalised on a crucial opportunity: Umar Sadiq was brought down by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior, resulting in a penalty. Largie Ramazani confidently converted from the spot, registering his second goal in as many matches and putting the visitors ahead.

Tensions escalated as a member of Villarreal’s backroom staff received a red card following further penalty appeals, this time again involving Pepe. However, the narrative swiftly shifted as Valencia failed to clear a cross, enabling Santi Comesana to level the match with a close-range finish just after the half-hour.

A dramatic first half concluded with Villarreal awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time – Ramazani was adjudged to have handled Pepe’s cross. Gueye stepped up and calmly slotted home a left-footed effort to give the hosts the lead.

Second Half Analysis and Continued Dominance

Villarreal emerged brightly after the interval, with Sergi Cardona spurning a well-placed opportunity as he fired wide. The contest’s physical nature persisted, leading to minimal clear-cut chances as both teams battled in midfield.

Valencia controlled much of the possession as the hour approached, aiming to launch a late resurgence. Both managers utilised substitutions with 20 minutes left, and substitute Arnaut Danjuma came closest for the visitors but was thwarted by Luiz Junior.

Ultimately, Villarreal remained resolute and secured the victory, maintaining their unbeaten La Liga run against Valencia in the last five fixtures (three wins, two draws) and extending their unbeaten sequence in home meetings to nine matches (seven wins, two draws) – the club’s longest such streak against Los Che in Spain’s top division.

Match Details