The Submarine beat Espanyol with a goal from Yeremy and regain fifth place in the fight for the Champions League
TVillarreal got their smiles back on their faces with a 1-0 win over Espanyol thanks to a solitary goal from Yeremy Pino. With this victory, the Yellows return to fifth place, which would give them access to play in the Champions League next season. There is still a long way to go, five games to be precise, but today’s victory was essential.
The match was not without controversy, as the referee Munuera Montero disallowed two goals for the Submarine and rectified at the behest of the VAR in a penalty also in favour of the home side that was not taken.
Marcelino lined up with five new players compared to the match at Balaídos. Costa and Foyth returned to the centre of defence, Cardona to the left-hand side of the defence, Parejo played as a compass in midfield and the goal-scoring Ayoze played up front.
The match started with controversy. Before the quarter-hour mark, Juan Foyth was hit hard by Perico goalkeeper Joan García. The referee, Munuera Montero, pointed to the penalty spot. Shortly afterwards, he rectified his decision following a VAR call.
Just before half time, another controversial play in the Espanyol area. Pepe went down after a push from Puado and the referee ruled out a foul.
To further yellow despair, Munuera Montero disallowed a goal to Thierno Barry seconds later for a millimetre offside. It seemed unbelievable. Again. Just like the day against Real Sociedad, what else could happen?
In the second half, the goal came. Nicolas Pepe crossed low from the right flank and inside the box Yeremy Pino popped up to take a first-time shot and send the ball into the back of the net with a low right-footed shot (1-0, 52nd minute). The fans celebrated in style. Even with some derision when the referee pointed to the spot in the middle of the pitch. It was news that a Villarreal goal was not disallowed.
In fact, shortly afterwards another Villarreal goal was not scored. Munuera Montero pointed to an alleged foul on Barry before Ayoze dribbled past the keeper and scored into an empty net. Against everything and everyone.
From then until the end of the game, Marcelino’s team had to suffer. Normal, there was a lot at stake.
On the counter, they could have won the game. Buchanan had a chance in the 80th minute after a back-heel from Pepe, but the Canadian’s shot went just wide of the post.
Villarreal’s next match will be against Osasuna at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Saturday, 4:15pm CEST). Let’s go!
