Villarreal stun Valencia with late Mikautadze winner

Valencia took the lead in the 38th minute when Pepelu converted a penalty, and they carried that advantage deep into the second half. Villarreal kept their composure, however, and Freeman headed in Sergi Cardona’s cross in the 69th minute. After both sides pushed for a winner, Mikautadze finished a counterattack in the sixth minute of added time to complete the turnaround.

Villarreal coach Íñigo Pérez praised his side for remaining patient after falling behind, rather than allowing the match to become disorganised.

“I think it was a deserved victory. It became complicated after their goal, and I was worried we might lose control. But over several weeks I have seen that we can remain stable against different opponents. We showed that at Liverpool when we were 4-2 down, and we showed it again today. We didn't rush things, we kept the ball and waited for the players coming on to help us.”

Pérez rejected the suggestion that Villarreal’s victory was a matter of luck, saying the team had improved its ability to stay committed to the plan when matches became difficult.

“I don't believe in luck in football, and I don't believe that a result comes because it was simply our turn. When we haven't won more games, it has been because of our own shortcomings. Today we won and it wasn't through luck, just as when we've lost it hasn't been bad luck.

“The team's ability to respond has improved since the start of the season. They trust the plan, and it's important to maintain that balance when things aren't going well.”

Alex Freeman was central to the comeback, scoring the equaliser after being deployed on the left side. Pérez explained that the decision was based on the tactical demands of the match and the defender’s versatility.

“Alex is a superb player. He can play in many positions, and his dynamism and quality allow me to be more adventurous with him. He can play with remarkable calmness.”

Valencia coach Javier Aguirre took responsibility for the defeat, refusing to blame his players after his side let the lead slip away. The Mexican said individual errors had proved costly and described the result as especially painful, given the team’s continued wait for a win under his leadership.

“Distractions, individual issues — the blame is mine, obviously, because I choose who plays and how,” Aguirre said. “It's a very painful defeat.”

He defended the work being done by the team but acknowledged that results remained the immediate concern.

“We have to keep going. There is a lot of the league season left, and I think we're on the right path.”

Aguirre declined to discuss the refereeing decisions that shaped the contest, preferring to review the match privately with his squad. He was particularly frustrated by Harvey Elliott’s late dismissal after two bookings, which left Valencia unable to mount a final response.

Villarreal’s persistence proved decisive. Freeman brought them level, and Mikautadze punished a late Valencia turnover to complete the comeback and leave Aguirre still searching for a first victory.