By SCM Sports Correspondent
VILLARREAL were seeing stars last night—and they were all named Ayoze Perez. In a ruthless display of attacking flair at the Ceramica, the former Leicester and Newcastle man didn’t just grab the headlines; he rewrote the script.
Villarreal’s 4-1 demolition of a shell-shocked Espanyol was less of a football match and more of a private masterclass from the man they call El Tiburón (The Shark).
The Star Man: Ayoze Perez
While the London rain might be a distant memory for Perez, he brought a Premier League storm to the Spanish coast.
The 31-year-old was simply untouchable, bagging a sensational hat-trick that left the Espanyol defense looking like they were stuck in the London Underground at rush hour.
His movement was crisp, his finishing was lethal, and his third goal—a delicate dink over the keeper—was pure Hollywood.
Perez Rating: 10/10 – A perfect night for a player who is currently playing some of the best football of his career.
The Impact: His four-goal contribution (including the assist for the fourth) propels Villarreal firmly into the Champions League conversation.
It wasn’t just a one-man show, though Perez certainly tried to make it one.
Alex Baena: The midfield maestro was the conductor to Ayoze’s lead violin. His vision provided the ammunition for the frontline, proving once again why he’s one of Spain’s brightest rising stars.
Thierno Barry: The young powerhouse added the fourth, showing a turn of pace that suggested he’s been taking notes from the senior pros.
Espanyol had no answer for the sheer star power on display.
For the visitors, it was a night to forget, but for Villarreal fans, it was a night where the stars aligned—led by a man who is making La Liga look very easy indeed.
