A dominant Villarreal B are denied victory late on against Murcia
Villarreal B saw three points slip away in stoppage time (1-1) in a match where the Yellows were far superior to their rivals, Real Murcia, who made the most of a set piece to level the score.
Before that, David Albelda’s side had been on top throughout the game and created the better chances, taking the lead through Álex Rubio. In the end, it was a bitter point for the reserves, who once again showed a great image and plenty of quality but were unable to finish the job.
It was an excellent first half from Albelda’s men. Despite an initial surge from the pimentoneros, Villarreal B kept their composure and, well organised, took control of proceedings almost from the first move.
In the 24th minute, Víctor Moreno seized on a Murcia mistake in midfield and drove skilfully down the left before slotting a perfect through ball for Álex Rubio, who finished with a precise shot into the corner to make it 0-1.
The goal stunned Murcia and gave the Yellows wings, who thought they had doubled their lead ten minutes later when Facundo Viveros found the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside. In the closing stages of the half, Murcia pushed hard, but Rubén Gómez stood firm with three outstanding saves to keep the advantage intact.
The second half saw even more control from the Yellows, who reduced the pimentoneros to almost nothing in attack. Albelda’s side, on the other hand, came close to scoring again through Facundo Viveros and Budesca.
Yet, cruelly, just a minute from the end, in one of the final moves of the game, Palmberg pounced on a set piece to fire home from the right and make it 1-1, just as the Mini Submarine were about to clutch all three points.
