In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Villarreal triumphed over Ciudad de Lucena with a commanding score of 6-0 in the Copa del Rey on October 29, 2025, at an undisclosed venue. This emphatic victory serves as a reminder of the gap between the higher echelons of Spanish football and teams in the Tercera División RFEF.
Just as I had speculated in my pre-match preview, this contest was expected to be a test of strength, and Villarreal made it abundantly clear they came to play. Led by the explosive talents of Tani Oluwaseyi, the Yellow Submarine established dominance from the outset. Oluwaseyi's first goal came only 15 minutes into the match, and he followed it up just two minutes later, leaving Ciudad defenders scrambling in disbelief. It was a blistering start that left no room for doubt about Villarreal's intentions.
Ciudad de Lucena, buoyed by their recent successes in the Tercera División, including a resounding 5-0 win against Coria CF just two weeks prior, looked to capitalize on their momentum. However, they quickly found themselves overwhelmed. Despite demonstrating flashes of determination, any hope of pulling off an upset vanished in the early stages as Villarreal's potent attack kept the pressure on.
In the second half, Ilias Akhomach added to the scoreline at the hour mark, and Oluwaseyi put his name on the scoresheet yet again in the 71st minute, marking a stellar hat trick. As if to punctuate their superiority, Georges Mikautadze and Santi Comesaña rounded out the scoring with goals in the 81st and 84th minutes, respectively. The final whistle brought an end to what had become a one-sided affair, with Villarreal showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
While my prediction had hinted at a potential giant-killing by Ciudad, the reality served as a stark contrast to my hopeful musings. Villarreal, currently reeling from inconsistent performances in La Liga, with only one win in their last five outings, found a much-needed boost in this match, regaining momentum as they push to make their mark in the Copa del Rey.
The win propels Villarreal into the next round of the tournament while leaving Ciudad de Lucena to regroup. They had been in decent form in their league, but the gulf of experience against a top-flight team was glaringly apparent. For Ciudad, this match serves as a learning experience. They have shown promise in their recent matches, and developing from this loss could be crucial for their aspirations.
As the Copa del Rey continues, Villarreal must capitalize on this victory to build confidence moving forward, aiming to turn around their La Liga campaign, where they currently face challenges. Conversely, Ciudad de Lucena will need to shift their focus back to their league efforts, where they are still fighting to establish themselves as contenders.
In the end, while I had briefly entertained the idea of an upset, it was the seasoned players of Villarreal who reminded everyone of their caliber. As the tournament progresses, fans will surely keep a watchful eye on how Villarreal harnesses this newfound momentum.