Ayoze Pérez broke a long goal drought by converting a penalty in Villarreal’s match against Mallorca at Son Moix. The forward, who had not scored since December 17 in a Copa del Rey loss to Racing Santander, coolly slotted home despite Leo Román guessing correctly and getting a touch. His last league goal came on November 30 against Real Sociedad. Despite playing a key role in creating chances, Pérez was substituted in the 70th minute due to cramps caused by high temperatures and a lack of match fitness, having played only about 50 minutes in the previous eight games. He later confirmed it was just cramp and that he would be available for the remaining three LaLiga matches.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get the three points, but we added one point with only nine left to play for,” Pérez said. “It’s always difficult at this stage of the season, with teams fighting for their lives, especially away from home.” He also defended teammate Arnau Tenas: “Mistakes are part of football. His saves in the second half show he can bounce back.”
