Fabian Hurzeler led his Albion team out at the Amex for the first time this afternoon (Saturday, August 10) – and deployed a side full of attacking talent.
The Spanish visitors hit the post early on and caused problems with balls over the top but Albion managed to keep a second successive clean sheet – and secured their fourth win from four pre-season games.
Joao Pedro marked his return to the side with a belting strike from the edge of the area before fellow striker Danny Welbeck made it two with a composed finish – assisted by Yankuba Minteh.
Minteh was once again a livewire and he scored his third goal of pre-season in the second-half. It was a classy finish by the former Newcastle man, who has made a real impression for Hurzeler’s side so far.
Hurzeler rung the changes in the second half but still on the pitch to win – and slot home – a late penalty was veteran striker Welbeck. With this goal, the 33-year-old joined Minteh as the pre-season top scorer.
That sealed a fine afternoon’s work for Albion with plenty of really positive signs as they prepare for their first Premier League game of the season away at Everton next weekend.
Scroll down and click through to see our player ratings.
5. Jan Paul van Hecke - 8
Solid as a rock. Villarreal got in behind the defence on a few occasions in the first-half but Van Hecke was there to block and intercept everything in front of him Photo: Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
6. James Milner - 6
An industrious performance by the veteran. Held his own in a more advanced midfield position. Given a warm applause as he was replaced late on. Photo: Masashi Hara / Getty Images
7. Valentín Barco - 7
Some bright moments from the youngster who could be set for a breakout season at Brighton. Made an early error but recovered really well. Defensively solid and a threat going forward. Showed he is learning from his captain with a cool pass back to Steele with his chest Photo: Steve Bardens
8. Mats Wieffer - 7
The £25m summer arrival made his first start in an Albion shirt and he was impressive. He bossed the midfield and made some timely interventions with those long legs of his. Photo: Warren Little / Getty Images