Villarreal close on clean sweep as virtual winners of Valencian derbies | OneFootball

Villarreal revived their season with derby wins over Levante and Valencia, climbing to 51 points from 25 matches and moving nine clear of fifth-placed Betis. According to Superdeporte, that run makes them virtual winners of the Valencian mini-league this season.

Marcelino García's side could still complete a clean sweep of six regional derbies, with Elche and Levante due at La Cerámica on matchdays 27 and 34. The rivalry remains a live spur, underlined by George Mikautadeze's post after beating Valencia.

Valencia are the nearest regional chasers yet sit 25 points back after Sunday's 2-1 defeat in Vila-real, a game shaped by two penalties awarded with VAR assistance by Jesús Gil Manzano.

Five derbies between December and February have underlined Villarreal's control among the Comunitat clubs. Three of the 12 regional meetings remain and second place in this notional table is open, while Valencia, Elche and Levante fight relegation.

Carlos Corberán's side drew at home with Elche, then beat Getafe and Espanyol before losing to Betis and Real Madrid. A 0-2 win at the Ciutat de València delivered their only February points.

Under new coach Luís Castro, Levante won 0-3 at Sevilla and 3-2 against Elche, but this month's meetings with Valencia and Villarreal checked that bounce. Four straight defeats leave survival seven points away, the line set by Elche on 25.

Source: Superdeporte