VILA-REAL, Spain, Oct 1, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Villarreal continued their strong start to the season with a 3-1 win over Las Palmas on Monday that moved them up to third in La Liga.

Despite missing injured top goalscorer Ayoze Perez, the Yellow Submarine conjured up an impressive performance for their fans to make amends for last weekend's 5-1 home thrashing by Barcelona.

Nicolas Pepe fired the hosts in front shortly before the break after a determined drive forward by strike partner Thierno Barry.

Fabio Silva pulled Las Palmas level little over a minute into the second half but Barry reclaimed Villarreal's advantage with a header from Alex Baena's cross.

Spain international Baena broke in down the right and slid home the final goal in stoppage time to wrap up Villarreal's win.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's side are a point behind Real Madrid, second, and four short of La Liga leaders Barcelona.