Senegal international Pape Gueye helped Villarreal secure their first UEFA Champions League victory of the season as the Spanish side came from behind to beat Napoli 3-1 at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Napoli took an early lead through Amir Rrahmani, but Villarreal responded with goals from Georges Mikautadze, Santiago Mouriño and substitute Tani Oluwaseyi to claim all three points on Tuesday.
Gueye started in midfield and played his part as Villarreal protected their advantage against a Napoli side featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay.
The victory gives Villarreal a boost after their opening-day defeat by Borussia Dortmund, while Napoli must now look to recover in their next European fixture.
Napoli made the brighter start and went ahead in the eighth minute when Rrahmani reacted quickest after Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior parried an initial effort.
The Italian visitors nearly extended their advantage soon afterwards, but Rasmus Højlund’s header struck the post, leaving Villarreal in the contest.
The home side gradually found their way back into the match and drew level in the 23rd minute.
Georges Mikautadze capitalised on an error by Matteo Politano to score Villarreal’s equaliser, changing the momentum of the contest.
Just three minutes later, Villarreal moved in front. Santiago Mouriño produced a powerful long-range effort that flew into the top corner, giving the Spanish club a 2-1 lead.
The quick turnaround put Villarreal in control after Napoli had initially threatened to take charge of the match.
Despite conceding twice in a short period, Napoli continued to search for a way back into the contest. However, Villarreal maintained their advantage as the match progressed.
Gueye was part of the Villarreal midfield that helped the hosts manage their lead during the second half.
Napoli struggled to create clear opportunities after the break as Villarreal continued to apply pressure and limited the visitors’ attempts to mount a comeback.
The Senegalese midfielder’s contribution came in a match where Villarreal demonstrated their ability to recover from a difficult start and remain composed after taking the lead.
Napoli, who had opened the scoring through Rrahmani, were unable to find another goal to bring themselves level.
Villarreal eventually strengthened their advantage in the 86th minute through Oluwaseyi, who had entered the match as a substitute in the 63rd minute.
The forward took advantage of a poor touch by Ayoze Pérez before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that beat the goalkeeper and settled the contest at 3-1.
His late strike completed Villarreal’s comeback and ensured they finished the match with a two-goal winning margin.
The result provides Villarreal with an important response after losing their opening Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund.
