Another round!

Villarreal is through to the Quarter Finals of the Copa del Rey after drawing (2-2) in Anoeta.

Goals by Gerard Moreno and Giovani dos Santos were proven to be enough against Real Sociedad to reach the Quarter Finals.The Yellows, who carried a (1-0) advantage achieved in el Madrigal into the match, were never in serious danger of elimination as they took the lead twice.

The Yellow Submarine dominated from the start and were only tested on occasion in the first 45 minutes. The first opportunity was for Manu Trigueros in the 18th minute. After a fantastic play by Nahuel and Gerard Moreno, Manufailed to score due to a great reaction by goalkeeper Rullí.

Marcelino’s defenders were as attentive, as his forwards were lethal in the counterattack. Consequently; Gerard Moreno scored the first goal. The Catalan striker converted a quick counterattack after being launched by Giovani as he cleverly managed to shoot into the far corner with his left foot.

Real Sociedad, that now needed to make three goals in order to advance, was taken by surprise as the Yellows were able to provide the final blow before half-time. However;Moi Gómez didn’t deliver as the goalkeeper trusted his footwork and deflected the strike.

The Yellows would have taken the lead into the second half, had it not been for a late shot by Carlos Vela. The Mexican striker was suddenly put into position after Agirretxe headed the ball firmly from a corner.

In the second half, Real Sociedad gritted its teeth in search of a comeback. In spite of this; the yellow formation held up well and was sure to avoid elimination, thanks to the speed of their forwards. And so it was. Giovani didn’t give up on a play that seemed lost in the penalty area and shoved the ball underneath the diving Rullí. The Mexican forward converted at the right moment.

Just seconds later, Real Sociedad equalized. Vela assisted Granero to leave Sergio Asenjo without a chance. Nevertheless; Villarreal sustained the match and qualified for the Quarter Finals of the Copa del Rey. The capacity of the squad is weakened though, as Musacchio was booked with a red card in the 83rd minute.

Next Round

Villarreal finds Getafe as their next opponent on its path to win the Copa del Rey. The Quarter Final will be played in el Madrigal at 20:00 on Wednesday, the 21st of January. The return in the Alfonso Pérez Stadium will be played at the same time on Thursday, the 29th of January.

Musacchio returns in the line-up

Mateo Musacchio returned for the first time after having to deal with a severe muscle injury, forcing him to revalidate since the match against Real Madrid (27th of September).As captain of the yellow formation the Argentinian defender received two yellow cards and exited the match in the 83rd minute.

Real Sociedad: Rullí; Aritz, Mikel Gonzalez (Finnbogason /75), IñigoMartínez, Yuri; Pardo, Granero; Vela, Xabi Prieto, Canales (Chory Castro /61); Agirretxe.

Villarreal: Asenjo; Rukavina, Musacchio, Dorado, Jaume Costa; Moi Gómez (Cheryshev /78), Trigueros, Pina (Bruno /65), Nahuel (Mario /68); Giovani, Gerard Moreno.