Villarreal confirmed their status as surprise title contenders, ending November firmly inside LaLiga’s top four after a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Mallorca.
The win, their fourth consecutive in the league, leaves them just two points shy of table-topping Barcelona.
The visitors started with a sharp response to Villarreal’s early dominance. On six minutes, Alfonso Pedraza’s cross slipped past two Mallorca defenders, allowing Gerard Moreno to slot home the opener.
But Mallorca responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, a loose pass from Gerard was seized by Jan Virgili, who combined with Pablo Torre and Samu Costa before Luiz Júnior fired low through Pau Navarro’s legs to level the score.
Villarreal struggled to regain control during the first half. Nicolas Pepe’s effort off target briefly stirred the La Cerámica crowd, while Mallorca occasionally threatened, with Junior making a key save from Torre’s cross.
Moments of frustration continued for the hosts, including a booking for coach Marcelino following a contentious handball decision against Moleiro.
Moleiro also saw several attempts fail, including a header straight into Mallorca goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom’s arms.
The second half saw both sides push for the winner, with Marcelino making a triple substitution around the hour mark.
Georges Mikautadze came close for Villarreal, only to be denied by Bergstrom. A potential penalty for Villarreal was overturned by VAR, adding to the tense atmosphere.
The breakthrough eventually came in the final minutes. Tajon Buchanan’s cross found substitute Tani Oluwaseyi, who capitalized on a deflection off Mallorca captain Antonio Raillo to fire Villarreal ahead.
Pepe’s late appeals for a penalty went unanswered, but Villarreal held on for the victory.
Mallorca’s struggles away from home continue, with this defeat marking their fifth in six league outings. They remain in 16th place and face a crucial relegation clash against 17th-placed Osasuna in the next round.
