Mikautadze’s 90th-minute goal completes Villarreal’s 2-1 comeback at Valencia

Georges Mikautadze struck in the 90th minute to complete Villarreal’s recovery from 1-0 down and secure a 2-1 La Liga win at Valencia. The visitors had more possession and shots, although Valencia registered more efforts on target.

Mikautadze changes the ending

Valencia led from the 38th minute, when José Luis García Vayá converted a penalty to make the score 1-0. That remained the half-time score, but Villarreal levelled in the 69th minute through Alex Freeman, assisted by Sergi Cardona Bermúdez, for 1-1.

The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute. Alberto Moleiro provided the assist for Mikautadze, who scored the final goal to give Villarreal a 2-1 victory. Mikautadze was the standout performer by rating, earning 7.8 after 24 minutes, with one goal, one shot on target and one key pass.

Possession favoured Villarreal, accuracy favoured Valencia

Villarreal had 62% possession, completed 455 accurate passes and attempted 19 shots, compared with Valencia’s 38%, 243 accurate passes and 9 shots. Valencia, however, produced 5 shots on goal to Villarreal’s 3, while P. Gulácsi made 4 saves for the visitors. The expected-goals figures were close at 1.17 for Valencia and 1.21 for Villarreal.

Discipline also shaped the closing stages. Pape Gueye was sent off for Villarreal in the 79th minute. Harvey Elliott then received a yellow card and a red card for Valencia in the 89th minute, leaving both teams with one red card.

Villarreal move six points clear

Valencia began ranked #19 on 6 points from 9 games, while Villarreal were #14 on 9 points. Valencia remain on 6 points after 10 games and are provisionally #19. Villarreal rise to 12 points after 10 games and are provisionally #7, six points ahead of Valencia.