Villarreal fight back to beat Napoli as Pape Gueye helps secure first Champions League win

Villarreal came from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 at the Estadio de la Ceramica and claim their first victory of the UEFA Champions League season.

The Spanish side fell behind after only eight minutes, but goals from Georges Mikautadze, Santiago Mourino and substitute Tani Oluwaseyi turned the match around. Senegal international Pape Gueye started in midfield and helped Villarreal protect their lead against a Napoli team featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay.

Napoli made the stronger start and took the lead when Amir Rrahmani reacted quickest to a save from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior, converting the rebound in the eighth minute.

The visitors came close to extending their advantage soon afterwards. Rasmus Højlund met a cross with a header, but his effort struck the post.

Villarreal levelled in the 23rd minute after Matteo Politano made a mistake. Georges Mikautadze took advantage of the error to score the equaliser and give the home side renewed momentum.

Just three minutes later, Villarreal completed the turnaround. Santiago Mourino found the top corner with a powerful long-range strike to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Napoli struggled to create clear chances after the interval, while Villarreal continued to work to preserve their advantage. Gueye and his midfield team-mates played their part as the Spanish side dealt with Napoli’s attempts to respond.

Tani Oluwaseyi, introduced in the 63rd minute, settled the contest four minutes from time. Ayoze Perez failed to control the ball, allowing Oluwaseyi to collect possession before firing an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net.

The result gives Villarreal an important boost after they opened their European campaign with defeat by Borussia Dortmund. They also demonstrated considerable efficiency in front of goal, scoring three times despite creating fewer opportunities than Napoli.

For Gueye, the victory represents a significant result during this league phase of the competition.

Napoli will have the chance to respond in their next match against Bodø/Glimt. Villarreal’s next UEFA Champions League fixture will take them to Anfield, where they will face Liverpool.