Villarreal lifted as Willy Kambwala starts and Logan Costa returns from long lay-offs | OneFootball

Villarreal enjoyed a double boost as Willy Kambwala started and Logan Costa made his comeback against Rayo Vallecano on matchday 37.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Kambwala was named in the starting line-up for the first time in a year, while Costa featured again after a long knee lay-off.

Kambwala suffered a hamstring rupture on 31 July 2025 in Oviedo and underwent surgery, a setback that kept him out for more than five months. The 21-year-old returned to official action on 2 May, coming on in the 81st minute of the 5-1 win over Levante UD at La Cerámica in matchday 35.

He then started against Rayo and played 77 minutes, his first start since 25 May 2025, the final round of 2024/25 against Sevilla FC that finished 4-2.

Costa sustained a complete anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee on 19 July during pre-season. He had since rejoined matchday squads for games with Celta de Vigo, Levante UD, Mallorca and Sevilla FC, but had not featured.

The Cape Verde defender came on in the 77th minute against Rayo. His return will allow him to build minutes before Cape Verde’s 2026 World Cup call-up, having been one of the side’s key references prior to injury.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo