Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq played the hero for Valencia as his late equalizer denied Villarreal a third consecutive LaLiga victory, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Estadi de la Ceràmica.
His goal marked his first La Liga strike of the season since joining Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad.
Villarreal entered the match in strong form, having won four of their last six matches, and were eager to close the gap to Athletic Club in the race for the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot.
Their opponents, Valencia, despite recent improvements, remained mired in the relegation battle and were desperate for any points to aid their survival bid.
The opening stages of the game were largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm in front of goal. Luis Rioja had the first sight of goal but sent his long-range effort over the bar, setting the tone for a half where clear-cut chances were rare.
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Villarreal, however, managed to break the deadlock in spectacular fashion when Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, leaving Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili helpless as the ball nestled into the far corner.
Valencia’s persistence was rewarded late in the match, with Umar Sadiq at the center of the action.Substitute Rafa Mir’s shot was initially parried by Diego Conde, but Sadiq was in the right place at the right time to nod home the rebound, rescuing a crucial point for his team and marking a significant personal milestone with his first league goal of the campaign.
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: Sadiq Umar of Valencia CF celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga match between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 15, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Sadiq goal, at 83:25, is Valencia’s latest away goal against Villarreal to win or draw in La Liga since one from Aritz Aduriz in January 2012 (86:05).
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Sadiq’s late heroics ensured Valencia moved level on points with UD Las Palmas, just outside the relegation zone, while Villarreal were left frustrated, missing an opportunity to tighten their grip on a European qualification spot.
The Nigerian international now has 1 goal in 11 La Liga games and 2 goals in 17 appearances across all competition this season having joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad.
Source: The Athletic NG
