Villarreal shine and beat Athletic to kick-off the local festivities that start this weekend
Villarreal had a great time against Athletic (5-1). Quique Setién’s side thrashed the side from Bilbao in a brilliant afternoon of football for the Yellows, with which they also welcomed the Sant Pasqual festivities and which served to reaffirm their place in the UEFA Europa League. The home goals came from Álex Baena and Nico Jackson, both of whom bagged a brace, and Paredes, who scored an own goal.
The Yellows hosted the Basque side in the middle of the Sant Pasqual festivities. A spectacular atmosphere was expected, and although the rain made an appearance, it didn’t stop the party from continuing at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The match started at a dizzying pace. The game was wide open and there were chances for both teams to score. Villarreal tried first with a powerful Alfonso Pedraza missile from the edge of the area, which Unai Simón stopped as it was heading for the top corner. With no time to blink, the Submarine were back on the attack. Yeremy crashed a header against the crossbar after a fantastic cross from the right by Capoue. The Groguets wanted to score the first goal early.
Before the first quarter of an hour, Pepe Reina was also involved in a clear-cut chance for the visitors. Nico Williams came up against the experienced goalkeeper, who guessed his intentions, after receiving an excellent through ball from his brother Iñaki on a quick counter-attack.
In the 24th minute, a clear foul on Nico Jackson on the edge of the area led to the first goal of the game. Close to the halfway line, Álex Baena took the ball and expertly placed it to the goalkeeper’s far post. Impossible for Unai Simón: 1-0.
Villarreal started the party at the Estadio de la Cerámica, which continued with a second goal, scored by Nico Jackson. The Senegalese striker sent the ball into the net after Álex Baena’s hard shot from the edge of the area had been blocked by the visitors’ defence. With a bit of luck and a lot of persistence, the Submarine made it 2-0 at La Cerámica.
Before the break, Athletic tried to close the gap on the scoreboard. Iñaki Williams scored in an offside position after a cross from the left flank. It was in stoppage time that Sancet made it 2-1. The Basque striker made it 2-1, neatly dispatching a questionable penalty that was awarded by the referee to the monumental anger of the fans.
The blow in the form of a goal just before half-time did nothing to dampen the spirits of Villarreal, who came out for much more in the second half. Nico Jackson was once again the smartest of the class as he sent the ball into the net from Yeremy’s shot, 3-1. The move was preceded by a fantastic run by Álex Baena, who produced a masterful pass to set up Yeremy in front of the keeper.
The Submarine were not satisfied with the third. The party was in full swing at the Estadio de la Cerámica when Setién’s side’s fourth goal arrived. Paredes put through his own net after intercepting a pass from Yeremy that found Samu Chukwueze for the Nigerian to slot home.
Álex Baena rounded off the afternoon by scoring the fifth goal in the 90th minute. The 5-1 scoreline was definitive and the crowd closed the game bouncing on their seats. Long live Sant Pasqual!
Lineups
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, Mandi, Pau Torres, A. Pedraza (Alberto M., 82); Parejo, Capoue (R. Terrats, m. 57), Álex B.; Chukwueze (Lo Celso, m. 66), N. Jackson (Gerard, m. 66), Yeremy (M. Trigueros, m. 82).
Athletic Club: Unai Simón; I. Lekue (De Marcos, m. 59), Yeray, Paredes, Yuri B.; Dani García, Ander Herrera (Vesga, m. 59), O. Sancet; Williams (Guruzeta, m. 71), Berenguer (Muniain, m. 59), Williams Jr (Adu Ares, m. 79).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 24: Álex B. 2-0. Min. 37: N. Jackson. 2-1. Min. 45+3: O. Sancet. 3-1. Min. 48: N. Jackson. 4-1. Min. 61: Paredes (pp). 5-1. Min. 90: Álex B.
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande. Booked: Capoue, Parejo, Pau, A. Pedraza (Villarreal CF); Ander Herrera, Paredes, Williams (Athletic Club).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal CF and Athletic Club, corresponding to Gameweek 34 of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season, at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Attendance: 16,871.
