Villarreal 2-3 FC København: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

FC København won 3-2 against Villarreal in a thrilling encounter. The visitors struck early when Mohamed Elyounoussi scored in the 2nd minute, giving them a quick lead that set the tone for a fast-paced first half. Villarreal pushed back but couldn’t find the net before the break, and their recent run of losses – including defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City – seemed to weigh on them as they headed into the interval trailing.

The second half exploded into life with Villarreal equalising through Santi Comesaña in the 47th minute, but FC København hit back immediately as Elias Achouri netted in the 48th. Villarreal fought on and drew level again with T. Oluwaseyi’s goal in the 56th minute, yet the Danes, buoyed by their recent wins over Kairat, sealed the victory late on with Andreas Cornelius finding the net in the 90th minute. This result extends Villarreal’s poor form with another home loss, while FC København build momentum after a string of tough defeats.

Villarreal edged possession with 52% compared to FC København’s 48%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball but struggled to convert that into clear dominance. They also led in corners 6-4 and successful dribbles 76-55, pointing to a more attacking approach from the home side, though the visitors looked sharper on the counter. Both teams recorded 2 assists each, showing some creative play, but Villarreal picked up 3 yellow cards to FC København’s 2, which might have disrupted their rhythm without any reds on either side.

Substitutions played a big role, with both sides using all 5 available; Villarreal made a triple change at half-time as Ilias Akhomach replaced Tajon Buchanan, T. Oluwaseyi came on for Georges Mikautadze, and Ayoze Pérez took over from Nicolas Pépé, followed by Manor Solomon for Alberto Moleiro in the 63rd and Sergi Cardona for Alfonso Pedraza in the 83rd. FC København mirrored that with Elias Achouri replacing Robert at the 46th, then Andreas Cornelius for Viktor Bjarki Dadason in the 71st, Birger Meling for Yoram Zague in the 72nd, Viktor Claesson for William Clem in the 81st, and Thomas Delaney for M. Madsen in the 82nd – these fresh legs clearly helped the away team in the closing stages.

The game burst open early with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s goal in the 2nd minute, assisted by Marcos López, putting FC København ahead and forcing Villarreal to chase. Half-time substitutions proved pivotal for Villarreal, as Ilias Akhomach came on and assisted Santi Comesaña’s equaliser in the 47th, before T. Oluwaseyi, another sub, scored in the 56th with help from Alfonso Pedraza to level things again. Yellow cards added tension, with Alfonso Pedraza booked in the 34th, Ilias Akhomach in the 58th, and Pape Gueye in the 89th for the hosts, while FC København saw Jacob Neestrup and Andreas Cornelius cautioned in the 59th and 77th respectively, plus Elias Achouri in the 83rd.

The decisive moment came late when Andreas Cornelius scored in the 90th, assisted by Mohamed Elyounoussi, securing the win for FC København after Elias Achouri’s quick response goal in the 48th, assisted by Yoram Zague, had regained their lead right after the restart.

Villarreal lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with partnerships like Santi Comesaña in midfield providing drive and T. Oluwaseyi up front adding threat after coming on as a substitute. Alfonso Pedraza offered width on the left before his substitution, while Ilias Akhomach made an impact from the bench with his assist.

FC København set up in a 4-4-2 shape, relying on Mohamed Elyounoussi’s creativity in attack where he scored and assisted, and Elias Achouri made a difference after his half-time introduction with a goal. Andreas Cornelius proved crucial as a late substitute, netting the winner, while Yoram Zague contributed an assist before being replaced.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Mohamed Elyounoussi, who shone for FC København with a goal in the 2nd minute and an assist for the late winner. He created one key pass but no big chances, yet his all-round influence was key in turning the game their way.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 2-3 vs FC København (H)
• Loss: 0-4 vs Borussia Dortmund (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Pafos FC (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Manchester City (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Juventus (H)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 3-2 vs Villarreal (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs Kairat (H)
• Loss: 0-4 vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Borussia Dortmund (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Qarabağ (A)

Villarreal have just suffered a 2-3 home defeat to FC København, extending their poor run that includes recent losses to Borussia Dortmund, Pafos FC and Manchester City, plus a draw with Juventus. Sitting 35th on just 1 point, they’ll be desperate to turn things around in their next match against Levante on 2025-12-14 at 17:30, where picking up points could help them climb away from the bottom and build some confidence.

FC København have just claimed a 3-2 away victory over Villarreal, building on their recent win against Kairat despite earlier losses to Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and Qarabağ. Currently 24th on 7 points, they’ll look to maintain this momentum in their next fixtures.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.