The Submarine could not make the comeback and fell on the doorstep of the Champions League
Effort with no reward. Villarreal could not make the comeback against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League Play-off as they fell 1-0 at the Louis II stadium in a second leg that was controversial to say the least. The referee pointed to the spot for the visitors in what was a non-existent penalty, while the Yellows had two clear penalties turned down. Now, Villarreal will play in the UEFA Europa League Group stage.
The Submarine started slowly, but before long were asserting themselves and creating danger. The first controversial call came in the 25th minute, as Víctor Ruiz was pulled down in the box, but referee Jonas Eriksson waved away the penalty appeals.
Only five minutes later it was Monaco who almost went ahead. Lemar’s shot went under Asenjo’s body but the Villarreal goalkeeper stopped it on the goal line. After that scare, Villarreal had their best chance of the game. After a spectacular through ball by Bruno, Santos Borré was left one on one with the Monaco goalkeeper, however the Colombian striker’s shot deflected off the keeper and was then cleared.
Just before half time Villarreal were victims of another controversial decision. Musacchio headed towards goal and the ball bounced into Raggi’s arm, but again the referee shook his head at the Yellows protests.
Villarreal dominated the second half but still found it difficult to create goal scoring opportunities. The best chance was in the first few minutes, which again fell to the feet of Santos Borré, who controlled brilliantly but his shot sailed high and wide on this occasion.
The decisive 1-0 was scored from the penalty spot by Fabinho again. This time the referee made the penalty call even though the ball hit Musacchio on the back.
The draw for the UEFA Europa League Group stage will be this Friday
After getting knocked out by Monaco, Villarreal will play in the UEFA Europa League. The draw will be Friday 26th August at 1pm CET in Montecarlo (Monaco).
Line-ups:
AS Monaco FC: Subasic; Raggi, Glik, Jemerson, Sidibé; Bakayoko, Fabinho; Dirar, Bernardo Silva, Lemar (Moutinho, m. 67); Germain (Carrillo, m. 79).
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Víctor Ruiz, José Ángel (Jaume Costa, m. 67); Soriano (N’Diaye, m. 79), Trigueros, Bruno, Castillejo; Pato and Santos Borré (Leo Suárez, m. 74).
Goal: 1-0. Min. 90: Fabinho, penalty.
Referee: Jonas Eriksson (SWE). Cautioned: Sidibé for the locals and Musacchio for the visitors.
Stadium: Louis II.
