LaLiga: Villarreal Edges Valencia to Rise to Third Place

Villarreal move up to third with win over Valencia

Villarreal secured a 2-0 win over Valencia, moving up to third place in LaLiga. Gerard Moreno scored a penalty to seal the victory.

Villarreal moved up to third in LaLiga after securing a 1-1 draw against Valencia, who are struggling in the league...

Villarreal moved up to third in LaLiga after securing a 2-0 win over Valencia, who are struggling in the league. The victory marked Villarreal's first head-to-head away win against Valencia since December 2017.

Villarreal captain Gerard Moreno made history by becoming the fourth player to score in each of the past 12 La Liga seasons. He opened the scoring with a penalty kick, helping his team dominate the Derbi de la Comunitat. The match lacked intensity in the early stages of the first half but picked up pace towards the end of the half and went into the break with Villarreal in the lead.

Villarreal captain's form continued as Gerard Moreno scored a penalty in the match. Pape Gueye also scored for Villarreal in the 32nd minute. Meanwhile, Umar Sadiq scored for Valencia in the 84th minute. The match lacked intensity in the early stages of the first half but picked up pace towards the end of the half.

FT: #ValenciaVillarreal 0-2

DERBY WINNERS! @VillarrealCFen takes the spoils in the local showdown. 💛💛#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/rGw1AwROy1

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) October 25, 2025

Valencia nearly broke the deadlock around the 40-minute mark when Luis Rioja forced Luiz Junior into a meaningful save. Javi Guerra then swept a shot just wide of the left post shortly after. However, the deadlock was finally broken just before halftime when Gerard Moreno scored a cleverly executed penalty, sending the ball in the opposite direction of Julen Agirrezabala's dive after Jose Copete was penalized for a clumsy challenge. Moreno's goal marked his first La Liga strike since January.

Valencia's Arnaut Danjuma threatened to make an impact, cleverly finding space to shoot, but Luiz Junior made a crucial save to deny him. Despite this promising moment, Valencia failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Valencia suffered a third defeat in four games, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone with just two points separating them from the drop zone. Meanwhile, former Valencia boss Marcelino will be pleased to see Villarreal in third place after their 2-0 win.