Villarreal lose against the Andalusian side in a match notable for refereeing decisions (1-2)
Villarreal lose against Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cerámica (1-2) in a match marked by refereeing controversy. The away side went ahead with goals from Nabil Fekir and Emerson Royal, while Gerard Moreno reduced their lead from the penalty spot. Referee Gil Manzano was a key man in the outcome of the game, as he ruled out a goal by Dani Raba in added time, instead deciding to give the Yellows a free-kick for a foul on Rubén Peña. Instead of waiting for an advantage, the referee blew his whistle early and the goal did not count.
Unai Emery lined up his side with a 4-4-2, with Moi Gómez and Álex Baena on the wings. Up front, Paco Alcácer and Gerard were the striking partnership looking for a goal. Versatile Juan Foyth played as a midfielder alongside Dani Parejo.
The first half was even, without any real goalscoring chances. Both teams were fighting to take control of the ball, but both defences were solid, stopping any real danger.
Just when it looked like it would be goalless at half-time, it was 0-1. Fekir got on the end of a long ball down the left, got away from Pau Torres and ended up scoring with a powerful right-footed effort (m.44).
It was 0-2 not long after the start of the second half. A ball lofted in from the left was headed into the back of the net by Emerson (m.51)
Emery looked to the bench as he tried to get a reaction from his team, bringing on Pervis Estupiñán, Carlos Bacca and Raba. Soon after, there was controversy. Alcácer had headed the ball against Emerson’s arm inside the box. Gil Manzano, after advice from VAR and a long wait, pointed to the spot. Gerard stepped up to calmly score, with his talent completely tricking Joel Robles (1-2, m.65).
Two minutes later, Gerard could have equalised. His left-footed effort was pushed over the bar by Joel, who made a fantastic save. Villarreal tried everything, but they could not get onto the scoreboard again.
Not even when Raba scored in added time. Gil Manzano gave a free kick for a foul on Peña a second before the Yellows No.12 shot and scored. The referee did not play advantage and the goal did not count, despite the Yellows’ protests.
Next up for Villarreal is a UEFA Europa League game corresponding to the first leg the Round of 32 in Austria against FC Salzburg (Thursday, 9pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Rubén Peña, Albiol, Pau, Pedraza (Estupiñán, m. 60); Baena (Dani Raba, m. 60), Foyth (Fer Niño, m. 87), Parejo, Moi Gómez (Jaume Costa, m. 87); Gerard, Paco Alcácer (Bacca, m. 60).
Real Betis: Joel; Emerson, Mandi, Víctor Ruiz (Sidnei, m. 77), Miranda; Guido Rodríguez, Guardado; Aitor Ruibal (Montoya, m. 81), Fekir, Canales; Loren (William, m. 81).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 44: Fekir. 0-2. Min. 51: Emerson. 1-2. Min. 65: Gerard (p).
Referee: Gil Manzano. Booked: Parejo, Foyth, Rubén Peña (Villarreal); Emerson, Miranda (Real Betis).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 23 at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
