Story perspectives

Freeman’s 69th-Minute Equaliser Seals Villarreal 2-1 Win Over Valencia

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 4:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Alex Freeman headed the 69th-minute equaliser as Villarreal rallied to a 2-1 win over Valencia in Spain.
Georges Mikautadze scored in stoppage time to secure Villarreal’s victory.
Pérez said Freeman can play multiple positions, such as centre-back or wing-back.
Mauricio Pochettino called Freeman a super player with world-class potential.
Pape Gueye was sent off in the 79th minute.

History

Historical Context

In 2005-06 Villarreal debuted in the Champions League, topped its group and reached the semi-finals, the first non-big-three Spanish side to do so, before losing 1-0 to Arsenal. After a 2012 relegation, promotion and a 2021 Europa League win, the 2024 victory over Valencia—secured by 19-year-old Alex Freeman and Georgi Mikautadze—shows the Yellow Submarine’s youth-driven resurgence challenging Spain’s hierarchy.

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Story summary

Alex Freeman headed the 69th-minute equaliser as Villarreal rallied to a 2-1 win over Valencia in Spain.
Georges Mikautadze scored in stoppage time to secure Villarreal’s victory.
Pérez said Freeman can play multiple positions, such as centre-back or wing-back.
Mauricio Pochettino called Freeman a super player with world-class potential.
Pape Gueye was sent off in the 79th minute.

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