Villarreal's recent 3-1 victory over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League was overshadowed by a distressing incident involving their goalkeeper, Péter Gulácsi. In the early hours of October 13, 2026, Gulácsi and his family were victims of an armed robbery at their residence in Monasterios, Puçol, near Valencia. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the traumatic experience led to Gulácsi's absence from the crucial match against Napoli. (goal.com)
In his stead, Brazilian goalkeeper Luiz Júnior stepped up, delivering a commendable performance that contributed significantly to Villarreal's comeback win. The match began unfavorably for the home team, with Napoli's Amir Rrahmani scoring an early goal. However, Villarreal responded robustly, with Georges Mikautadze equalizing in the 23rd minute and Santiago Mouriño adding a spectacular long-range goal just three minutes later. Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi sealed the victory with a late goal in the 86th minute. (cadenaser.com)
This win not only marked Villarreal's first points in the current Champions League campaign but also ended a 12-match winless streak in the competition. The team's resilience, especially in light of Gulácsi's absence, was evident throughout the match. (elpais.com)
The robbery at Gulácsi's home is part of a concerning trend of targeted attacks on footballers' residences. In February 2024, former Villarreal player Etienne Capoué experienced a similar incident. The club has confirmed that authorities are investigating the matter and have taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of their players and staff. (cadenaser.com)
Despite the unsettling events off the pitch, Villarreal's performance against Napoli showcased their determination and ability to overcome adversity, providing a significant morale boost as they continue their Champions League journey.