Leeds United v Villarreal

Leeds United 1–1 Villarreal CF: Pre-Season Promise at Elland Road

Leeds United rounded off their penultimate pre-season fixture with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Spanish giants Villarreal CF, in front of a buzzing crowd of 35,273 at Elland Road. The match offered a compelling glimpse into Daniel Farke’s evolving squad, while also showcasing the technical prowess of a Villarreal side that finished fifth in La Liga last season.

The game began with Leeds asserting early dominance, pressing high and moving the ball with intent. Sean Longstaff, one of several new signings making his home debut, intercepted a loose pass and lofted a clever ball over the top to Lukas Nmecha. The striker’s low effort was well saved by Villarreal’s Luiz Júnior, who would go on to make several key stops in the first half.

Brenden Aaronson, lively and inventive throughout, linked up well with Isaac Schmidt down the right flank. A fizzing cross from Gudmundsson nearly found Nmecha again, but Villarreal’s defence scrambled clear. Leeds registered 58% possession in the opening half and completed 87% of their passes — a sign of growing cohesion.

Villarreal, though, were no pushovers. Their midfield trio of Gerard Moreno, Yeremy Pino, and Santiago Mouriño began to find rhythm midway through the half. Pino broke through on goal but was denied by a superb one-on-one save from Karl Darlow. Moments later, Moreno’s bullet header was tipped over the bar by Darlow, preserving the deadlock.

Anton Stach nearly broke the stalemate with a curling free-kick that whistled past the far post, and Nmecha’s turn-and-shot forced another reflex save from Júnior. Leeds had five corners and 14 shots in total, but Villarreal’s defensive shape held firm.

Half-time: Leeds United 0–0 Villarreal CF

Farke made four changes at the break, introducing Illan Meslier, Joël Piroe, Jaka Bijol, and Ilia Gruev. Villarreal responded with their own substitutions, including Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan and the imposing Pau Cabanes.

The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute. Gerard Moreno’s header was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Meslier, but Etta Eyong was quickest to react, bundling the ball home from close range. It was a scrappy goal, but one that reflected Villarreal’s growing threat on the counter.

Leeds responded instantly. Aaronson danced past his marker and whipped a dangerous ball across the six-yard box. A poor clearance from Mouriño fell kindly to Piroe, who made no mistake — slotting home his fourth goal of pre-season with a striker’s instinct. The Dutchman’s celebration was fitting, as he marked his birthday with another confident finish.

The match opened up in the final 20 minutes. Bijol made a crucial block to deny Cabanes, while Gudmundsson and Longstaff continued to impress with their work rate and composure. Harry Gray, introduced late on, nearly stole the win with a flicked header that rattled the crossbar after a fingertip save from Diego Conde.

Villarreal’s technical quality was evident throughout. Moreno dictated play with clever movement, while Pino’s pace and Buchanan’s delivery caused problems for Leeds’ backline. Despite having less possession (42%), Villarreal managed 9 shots and an xG of 0.9 — compared to Leeds’ 1.3.

Full-time: Leeds United 1–1 Villarreal CF

This was more than just a friendly. It was a tactical chess match between two sides preparing for top-flight football. Leeds showed resilience, attacking flair, and defensive grit. Villarreal, meanwhile, demonstrated why they’re a regular fixture in European competition — composed under pressure and clinical when it mattered.

For Leeds fans, the performance of new signings like Longstaff, Gudmundsson, and Stach will be encouraging. Aaronson looks reborn, and Piroe continues to deliver. For Villarreal supporters, the depth and versatility of their squad — even without some regular starters — bodes well for the season ahead.

As the Premier League opener against Everton looms, Leeds can take heart from this result. They matched a Champions