Villarreal CF secured their third win in four LaLiga outings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia CF in the Derbi de la Comunitat, condemning Los Che to their third defeat in six league matches.

The hosts were left frustrated inside the opening minute when Nicolas Pépé appeared to be stood on inside the box, but penalty appeals were waved away. Pépé’s eventful start continued as he was left with a cut above his eye within five minutes in what quickly became a typically combative derby.

Despite the physical intensity, clear-cut chances were scarce. Pape Gueye’s free-kick represented the only shot on target in the opening 20 minutes of a stop-start contest.

Valencia struck first in the 22nd minute after Umar Sadiq was brought down by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior. Largie Ramazani calmly converted from the spot, netting his second goal in as many games to give the visitors the lead.

Tempers continued to flare, with a member of Villarreal’s backroom staff shown a red card following further penalty appeals involving Pépé. However, the hosts responded on the half-hour mark when Valencia failed to clear a cross, allowing Santi Comesaña to tap home from close range.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, the drama intensified. Ramazani was penalised for handling Pépé’s cross inside the area, and Gueye coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to complete the turnaround before the break.

The second half began with greater urgency, though chances remained limited. Sergi Cardona wasted a promising opportunity when he dragged a low effort wide, while a congested midfield battle stifled attacking rhythm.

Valencia enjoyed more possession as the hour mark passed, hinting at a possible late rally. Both sides made changes entering the final 20 minutes, and substitute Arnaut Danjuma came closest to an equaliser, only to be denied by a sharp save from Luiz Júnior.

Villarreal ultimately held firm to extend their unbeaten LaLiga head-to-head run against Valencia to five matches (W3, D2). The result also marked their ninth consecutive unbeaten home league meeting with Los Che (W7, D2), their longest such streak against their regional rivals in the Spanish top flight.