Villarreal 1-0 Levante, and the subplots in the stands | OneFootball

Villarreal CF closed their penultimate pre-season friendly of 2026/27 with a 1-0 win over Levante UD at the Mini Estadi de la Ciudad Deportiva José Manuel Llaneza, Logan Costa scoring on 62 minutes. Péter Gulácsi made his first start and Juan Foyth returned six months after injury, while Iñigo Pérez’s project had an early airing.

The intense heat shaped the day. El Periódico Mediterráneo notes it was the only chance to see Villarreal in Spain and in Vila-real before LaLiga begins, and the VIP area still filled with officials, former players and industry figures.

President Fernando Roig and chief executive Fernando Roig Negueroles led the hosts alongside Levante directors. Nearby were director of football Miguel Ángel Tena, technical secretary Fernando Seguí, and board members Miguel Pérez, Manuel Sarrión, Adolfo Andreu and Juan Malabia.

As customary, Marcos Senna acted as host, the club ambassador from the Institutional Relations department greeting guests and familiar faces.

Among the best known visitors were former captain Manu Trigueros, recently retired, plus ex-centre-back Juan Manuel Peña and Roberto Soldado, all still close to the club’s orbit.

The most eye-catching attendee was Braulio Vázquez. The Osasuna sporting director, a former CD Castellón player with family ties in the province, chose a discreet profile, watching from the tribune among supporters.

While Costa settled the match and Gulácsi exuded calm as Foyth competed again, the stands and the box buzzed with handshakes, chats and scouting glances. Pre-season friendlies rarely stop at the scoreline.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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