Ilias Akhomach decisive in his first start

Ilias Akhomach made the most of his first start of the season in La Liga. Starting on Thursday night during Villarreal’s away match against Málaga, the Moroccan international was decisive in the Yellow Submarine’s victory (3-1), achieved during the 6th round of the Spanish championship.

Trailing from the 12th minute after Carlos Dotor opened the scoring, Villarreal found the solution before halftime. Very active on his side, Akhomach assisted Alberto Moleiro in the box to help his team equalize in the 40th minute. This was the Moroccan’s first assist of the season in La Liga.

Akhomach then received a yellow card in the 42nd minute before being substituted for Carlos Romero in the 63rd. Pape Gueye, who came on during the first half, scored Villarreal’s other two goals, first in the 45th+2 minute and then from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, to give Iñigo Pérez’s men their first victory of the season in the league.

Beyond his assist, Akhomach’s performance was noted in Spain. AS particularly highlighted him as one of Villarreal’s standout players, emphasizing his ability to provoke and create differences with the ball at his feet. This was an encouraging performance for the Lion of the Atlas, who had mostly been limited to substitute appearances since the start of the season.