Leeds United Draw 1-1 Villarreal in Pre-Season Friendly at Elland Road

Leeds United drew 1-1 with Villarreal in their penultimate pre-season friendly at Elland Road, with Joel Piroe scoring the equalizer after Villarreal took the lead through Etta Eyong. The match attracted a crowd of over 35,000 and featured several new Leeds signings, including midfielders Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, who impressed against the La Liga side. Leeds displayed tactical flexibility, shifting from a 4-2-3-1 formation against weaker teams to a 4-3-3 against Villarreal, reflecting Daniel Farke's adaptive approach. Despite good performances, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding striker options and the ongoing complicated situation with Jack Harrison, who was absent from the squad amid mixed fan reactions. Leeds enter the Premier League season in good form, having recorded wins in recent pre-season matches and with a further friendly against AC Milan scheduled before their opener against Everton. Villarreal, meanwhile, have struggled in pre-season but enter their La Liga campaign on the back of a strong finish to the previous season.