Villarreal CF delivered a commanding second-half performance to secure a vital 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The win solidifies their position in the top three and keeps their faint hopes of a historic La Liga title challenge alive.
Second-Half Surge Secures Three Points
The first half offered few clear opportunities, with a disciplined Alaves side successfully frustrating the Yellow Submarine. However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically after the break. Villarreal emerged with renewed intensity and quickly broke the deadlock.
It was the in-form playmaker Alberto Moleiro who opened the scoring in the 49th minute. The midfielder expertly curled a beautiful shot into the net from the edge of the area for his eighth goal of the campaign. The floodgates opened, and just six minutes later, veteran striker Gerard Moreno doubled the lead, firing home for his first goal since November.
The third goal was a moment of pure class. Moleiro turned provider, slipping a clever pass through to Georgian forward Georges Mikautadze, who finished with a delightful chipped effort over the goalkeeper. Alaves managed a late consolation goal through Toni Martinez after a mistake by Thomas Partey, but it did little to affect the outcome.
Marcelino's Men Eye Unlikely Title Challenge
This result has significant implications for the La Liga table. Villarreal now sits third, three points clear of Atletico Madrid and, crucially, within four points of second-placed Real Madrid. Most importantly, they cut the gap to leaders Barcelona to eight points, and they have a game in hand on all three teams above them.
Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral acknowledged the team's improved second-half display. "In the second half we put together some superb moves, and we scored three beautiful goals," he told DAZN. He also expressed hope for continuing their strong form, stating, "We hope we're capable of winning (our game in hand) too and adding three more points to this extraordinary first half of the season."
Domestic Glory Now the Sole Focus
With early exits from the Copa del Rey and a likely departure from the Champions League, Villarreal's entire season is now concentrated on La Liga. The club has never won the Spanish top-flight title, making their current position a thrilling prospect for fans.
Defender Juan Foyth summed up the squad's mindset: "We hoped to do better in the Champions League (but) we're alive in La Liga and we want to enjoy ourselves and keep adding points like we've been doing." While still outsiders, this convincing win over Alaves proves that Villarreal remains a determined hunter in the title race. The victory keeps the pressure on the traditional giants as the season approaches its crucial phase.
