Thanks in particular to two goals from its recruits, Nicolas Pépé and Thierno Barry, the club from the Valencia suburbs took third place from Atlético Madrid, held to a draw by Real (1-1) during the derby on Sunday.
The “Yellow Submarine” is one point behind Real (2nd) which it will challenge on Saturday at the Bernabeu.
Frenchman Thierno Barry, decisive passer
Pépé opened the scoring just before the break for Villarreal at the conclusion of a counterattack (45th). This is the former Lille and Arsenal player’s first goal in the yellow jersey since his arrival this summer.
Returning from the locker room, Fabio Silva equalized for Las Palmas by lobbing the opposing goalkeeper with a small spiked ball (47th).
Villarreal obtained a penalty for a foul on Pépé by Dinko Horkas, but the Canarian goalkeeper recovered well by stopping Alex Baena’s attempt (51st).
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The young French striker Thierno Barry, 21, decisive passer on the first goal, allowed Villarreal to get back in front with a header (84th). Then Baena made up for his missed penalty by scoring the third goal in added time (90+ 7).
