Villarreal overturn early Napoli lead to claim first Champions League win

Villarreal's 3‑1 win over Napoli secures the Spanish club’s first victory of the UEFA Champions League campaign and puts them on a positive footing for the group stage.

Early Italian advantage

Napoli opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Amir Rrahmani capitalised on a rebound from goalkeeper Luiz Júnior to put the Italians ahead.

The visitors threatened again shortly after, with Rasmus Højlund seeing his header hit the post.

Villarreal’s comeback

Georges Mikautadze equalised at the 23rd minute after a mistake by Matteo Politano, sparking the Spanish side’s resurgence.

Three minutes later Santiago Mouriño gave Villarreal the lead with a powerful long‑range strike that found the top corner.

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Gueye’s influence and the late seal

Mid‑fielder Pape Gueye, the Senegal international, helped maintain the advantage, contributing to the team’s defensive stability.

Substitute Tani Oluwaseyi entered in the 63rd minute and scored the fourth goal at the 86th minute, converting a loose ball from Ayoze Pérez.

Implications for the group

This victory follows Villarreal’s opening‑day defeat to Borussia Dortmund and restores confidence ahead of their next match at Anfield against Liverpool.

Napoli, meanwhile, must regroup for their upcoming clash with Bodø/Glimt.