Villarreal CF lose to CA Boca Juniors at the La Bombonera to a Pavón goal
It was a friendly for the history books for Villarreal CF thanks to the support and collaboration of LaLiga. The Submarine played in Argentina for the first time, against no other than the reigning league champions, CA Boca Juniors. Fran Escribá’s side lost by the smallest of margins in a match they had chances to do better in, especially in the first half. In the end, it was a goal by Pavón that gave the home side the win. The atmosphere surrounding the match was maginificent; the La Bombonera stadium vibrated as is always the case at the ‘xeneize’ temple.
This match served to celebrate the Argentinean club’s 66th league title win in what was an intercontinental party. Villarreal dominated a good part of the first half. The Submarine’s possession play was not rewarded with goals though, but the team did come away from the game feeling good. The Yellows knocked the ball around patiently, waiting for an opening in Boca’s well organized back line. The Argentinean side, on the other hand, looked to explout Villarreal on the counterattack.
Villarreal had the best chances in the first half. Samu Castillejo had two opportunities and Cédric Bakambu could have put the Yellows ahead just before the break.
The ‘xeneize’ side came out better in the second half though, not letting the Yellows out of their half. As a result, Boca started to create numerous chances, which eventually led to their goal. Pavón scored the only goal of the game after he combined well with Gago, finishing with a shot across goal that went in off the inside of the far post (m. 53).
Villarreal reacted and went in search of the equalizer in earnest, but unfortunately it never came. In fact, it was Boca Juniors who came closer to scoring and extending their lead as they were awarded a penalty after a hand ball by Bonera in the box. Andrés Fernández guessed where Gago was going to go though and saved the spot kick (m. 85).
Villarreal’s next friendly match is against Inter Milan this Sunday at 8:30pm CEST at the Estadio Riviera delle Palme de San Benedetto del Tronto.
Lineups:
CA Boca Juniors: Rossi; Jara, Vergini, Magallán, Fabra; Gago, Barrios; P. Pérez (Gonzalo Maroni, m. 86), Pavón, Cardona (Benítez, m. 69); and Bou (Espinoza, m. 69).
Villarreal CF: Barbosa (Andrés, m. 46); Mario, Semedo (Bonera, m. 62), Álvaro (Víctor Ruiz, m. 62), Rukavina (Pau, m. 86); Castillejo (Leo Suárez, m. 62), Rodri (Ramiro, m. 86), Trigueros (Fornals, m. 62), Soriano (Chuca, m. 86); Sansone (Darío Poveda, m. 86) and Bakambu.
Goal: 1-0. Min. 53: Pavón.
Referee: Fernando Echenique (Argentina). Cautioned: Bonera for Villarreal.
Estadio: Alberto J. Armando, better known as the ‘La Bombonera’.
