The Yellows beat Dinamo Zagreb and confirm their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals
Villarreal CF continue to dream in Europe. Unai Emery’s side beat GNK Dinamo Zagreb convincingly in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals (2-1). Thanks to goals from Paco Alcácer and Gerard Moreno, the Yellows sealed their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Arsenal FC, an old acquaintance in European competition.
Even before starting the game at the Estadio de la Cerámica, the Submarine knew the importance of the tie. Emery’s side were given a great reception by the academy players who live at the residence at the training ground, cheering and clapping the Yellows as they left, as well as preparing a special banner for the occasion. And if that wasn’t enough, once they left the training ground, the Yellows were greeted by fans who were waiting outside to cheer on Villarreal ahead of such an important match.
Villarreal went into the game fully focused. From the first minute, the Yellows showed their quality, they took control of the ball and went looking for the opposition net. Emery didn’t want to speculate despite the good result the Yellows took into the game after the win in Croatia (0-1).
In the 25th minute, Samu Chukwueze hit the post with a powerful shot from inside the box after a corner which was headed by various of his team-mates before the Nigerian took control of the ball, and fired off a powerful effort which was nearly the game’s opener.
Just ten minutes later, Villarreal scored the game’s first goal. There was a bit of tension after a VAR review, but the Submarine went ahead thanks to an Alcácer goal. The striker made the most of a fantastic Chukwueze assist after an out-of-this-world pass by the ever-impressive Gerard. From the middle of the pitch, the Yellows No.7 puled a magical through ball out of his locker, leaving the Croatian defenders in no man’s land.
With the lead on the scoreboard, Villarreal looked more comfortable. Before half-time, Emery’s side scored their second goal through Gerard. The Yellows’ forward once more showed his goalscoring instinct, finding the back of the net from the heart of the box, after a lovely piece of play between Chukwueze and Raúl Albiol, who was charging forward from defence.
After the half-time break, Gero Rulli made a fantastic stop just minutes into the second half. The Yellows nearly made it three nearly 20 minutes later with an effort from Gerard, who after getting on the end of an Alfonso Pedraza pass, was denied by a ridiculous Livakovic save.
In the 74th minute, GNK Dinamo Zagreb cut the lead. Orsic and Petkovic combined brilliantly in the box, with the former beating Rulli with a low shot.
Despite the goal from the Croatians, the Yellows did not show their nerves. Emery’s side showed defensive solidity and could have scored a third through Chukwueze late on.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza (Alberto Moreno, m. 89); M. Trigueros (Moi Gómez, m. 62), Capoue, Parejo (Coquelin, m. 83); Gerard, Paco Alcácer (Álex B., m. 89), Chukwueze (Peña, m. 89).
Dinamo Zagreb: Livakovic; Ristovski (Stojanovic, m. 62), Lauritsen, Théophile-Catherine (Peric, m. 81), Gvardiol; Ademi (Misic, m. 81), Jakic, Orsic, Majer (Franjic, m. 62), Ivanusec (Atiemwen, m. 75); Petkovic.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 34: Paco Alcácer. 2-0. Min. 42: Gerard. 2-1. Min. 74: Orsic.
Referee: Danny Desmond. Booked: M. Trigueros (Villarreal), Jakic (GNK Dinamo Zagreb).
Matchday information: UEFA Europa League quarter-finals second leg between Villarreal CF and GNK Dinamo Zagreb at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
