LaLiga: Nicolas Pépé scores on his debut with Villarreal

16.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Racing Santander

2

:

Villarreal

2

Villarreal traveled to El Sardinero for the opening matchday of LaLiga against newly-promoted Racing Santander. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Nicolas Pépé netted his first goal of the season. The Ivorian winger found the top corner with a superb curling shot.

Dream start

Pépé kicks off his campaign in the best possible way. After arriving in 2024 following a stint at Trabzonspor, he initially tallied 3 goals and 6 assists. Last season, he improved to 8 goals and 8 assists, finishing the year on a high note. The 31-year-old striker is also coming off an impressive 2026 World Cup where he scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. That’s the kind of confidence he brings to Villarreal.

Experience makes the difference

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion boasts 54 caps and 14 goals with Ivory Coast. He brings maturity and the ability to make a difference in tight moments to Villarreal. After this debut goal, the former Lille, Nice, and Arsenal man instantly establishes himself as a key attacking option for the Yellow Submarine as the season unfolds.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

Racing Santander

Villarreal

LaLiga Spain