Nicolas Pépé delivered his most impactful performance since joining Villarreal, scoring once and assisting twice in a commanding 4-2 victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday.
The Ivorian winger’s standout display was complemented by another goal from in-form Guinean striker Thierno Barry, as the Yellow Submarine extended their winning streak to three matches.
Pépé, who has endured a relatively quiet campaign, came alive on Matchday 34 with a performance brimming with confidence and flair.
Prior to this encounter, the former Lille and Arsenal forward had registered just one goal and three assists all season. But at Estadio de la Cerámica, he was unstoppable.
His influence was evident from the early stages. With Villarreal already leading 1-0, Pépé surged forward and delivered a pinpoint pass to Barry, who made no mistake in dispatching his 11th goal of the campaign. The link-up between the two African internationals set the tone for a fluid attacking display that Osasuna struggled to contain.
Moments later, Pépé turned provider again, this time setting up Ayoze Pérez for Villarreal’s third goal. A perfectly weighted ball allowed Pérez to slot home and further deepen the visitors’ woes before the half-time whistle.
The second half brought more of the same, with Pépé capping his man-of-the-match display by getting on the scoresheet himself in the 71st minute. Latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the box, the Ivorian struck cleanly past the goalkeeper to make it 4-1.
Although Osasuna managed to pull one back late on to reduce the deficit to 4-2, the contest had already been decided. Villarreal’s attacking trident of Pépé, Barry, and Pérez proved too dynamic, too cohesive, and too clinical for their opponents.
For Thierno Barry, this was yet another reminder of his growing stature in La Liga. The former Sochaux forward, who has now scored in back-to-back games, was once again a constant threat with his movement, physical presence, and work rate off the ball.
The Guinean’s finish was composed and instinctive, underlining the confidence that has carried him through an impressive debut top-flight season.
With the win, Villarreal reinforced their position in the upper half of the table and further fuelled their ambitions of qualifying for European competition next season.
The chemistry between their front three is developing at the right time, with momentum clearly building as the league enters its decisive final weeks.
The performance also offered a timely reminder of Pépé’s abilities, which had seemed dormant through much of the campaign.
His pace, vision, and finishing reminded fans of the qualities that once made him one of the most exciting wingers in European football.
For Villarreal, the challenge now is to sustain this rhythm in the coming fixtures. With Barry continuing to deliver up front and Pépé rediscovering his best form, the Yellow Submarine may yet make a late surge in the race for continental qualification.
