Villarreal dominated and had chances against the experienced Catalonian side (0-1)
Villarreal lost to Girona at the Estadio de la Cerámica in a match that the Yellows dominated and had some clear goal scoring chances that they did not convert. Well, they did score one, but the goal was disallowed by the VAR for a tight offside call against Toko Ekambi. In the end, the only goal of the game scored by Stuani at the start of the second half was enough to give the visitors the three points.
Javi Calleja set up with the same starting eleven who put on a great display at the Sánchjez-Pizjuán stadium in the previous LaLiga encounter against Sevilla FC.
The Yellow Submarine dominated from the first minute and deserved to go ahead in the game on numerous occasions. Fornals, Toko Ekambi (with a back heel) and Gerard all came close to opening the scoring as a result of three great plays by the Villarreal attack.
All this before the French-Cameroonian striker’s goal too. Toko Ekambi received a great through ball from Gerard Moreno and beat Bono with a powerful strike. A great goal that was celebrated all around the Estadio de la Cerámica. However, once the players were back in position and ready for the restart, referee Prieto Iglesias disallowed the goal for offside at the request of the VAR.
Villarreal could not convert their chances and Girona took advantage in the second half. Stuani got on the end of a through ball and chipped his shot up and over Asenjo as the Submarine keeper came out to pressure (0-1, m. 53).
Not even a bit of luck was on Villarreal’s side when Pedraza’s effort hit the post towards the end. What’s more, Santi Cáseres had to abandon the field of play with a knee injury. Exasperating.
The Yellow Submarine’s next match is Sunday 16th September against CD Leganés at the Butarque stadium (12pm CEST).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: S. Asenjo; Mario Gaspar, Álvaro, Víctor Ruiz, Pedraza; S. Cazorla (M. Layún, m. 74), S. Cáseres (Bacca, m. 65), M. Trigueros, P. Fornals; Gerard and Toko Ekambi (Sansone, m. 82).
Girona FC: Bono; Pedro Porro, Bernardo, Alcalá, Juanpe, Aday (Muniesa, m. 76); Pere Pons, Granell, Borja García (Roberts, m. 80); Lozano (Aleix García, m. 57) and Stuani.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 53: Stuani.
Referee: Prieto Iglesias. Cautioned: M. Trigueros, Mario Gaspar and Sansone for Villarreal; Alcalá and Aday for Girona.
Match Information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 3 at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 15,740 spectators.
