Málaga CF vs Villarreal CF

Malaga dreamed of an upset after a fast start, but Villarreal turned the game on its head to win 1-3 on the road. The visitors' bench proved decisive, as a first-half injury forced a substitution that ended up swinging the whole match in their favor. Carlos Dotor put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute, finishing off a Juan Cruz assist to send La Rosaleda into raptures. But Villarreal settled and drew level through Alberto Moleiro in the 40th minute, set up by Ilias Akhomach. Two minutes into the second half, substitute Pape Gueye - who had only just come on for the injured Santi Comesaña - struck from an Ayoze Pérez pass to put his side ahead, then sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 86th minute. Villarreal dominated possession and chances throughout, and Malaga can be grateful the scoreline wasn't heavier. The result keeps Villarreal's momentum rolling in the top half of the table, while Malaga will be left to rue a missed chance to build on their early lead at home.