Villarreal fall to Real Madrid in a match marked by refereeing decisions
Villarreal were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in a match inevitably defined by the referee’s decisions. Cuadra Fernández awarded a controversial penalty to the home side and sent off Mouriño a quarter of an hour from the end after a second yellow card for a foul near the touchline. The Yellows’ goal was scored by Mikautadze.
Marcelino made four changes to the side that faced Juventus last Wednesday in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League Group Phase.
The Yellows were well organised and managed to contain Madrid’s attacking threat in the first half. The plan was to stay solid defensively and use their pace up front to cause danger on the counter.
Real Madrid had a chance to take the lead in the 21st minute, but Renato Veiga made a crucial intervention, blocking Mastantuono’s shot with his knee. It was the hosts’ best opportunity of the half.
Five minutes before the break came a golden chance for Villarreal. Alberto Moleiro threaded a superb pass through for Tani Oluwaseyi, who sprinted clear of the centre-backs and forced a miraculous save from Courtois.
At half-time, Marcelino made two attacking changes, bringing on Mikautadze and Pepe to add more bite in the final third.
Real Madrid took the lead just seconds into the second half. Vinicius’s shot deflected slightly off Comesaña and ended up in the back of the net. Real misfortune (1-0, m.46).
Villarreal reacted immediately and almost equalised moments later. Pepe broke free down the right, reached the byline and crossed low, but neither Mikautadze nor Oluwaseyi managed to turn it in from point-blank range.
The hosts extended their lead in controversial fashion. The referee awarded a penalty for an alleged foul by Rafa Marín on Vinicius. The Brazilian forward converted the spot-kick himself amid strong protests from the Yellows (2-0, m.67). Arnau Tenas was close to saving it.
Five minutes later, the Submarine pulled one back. Mikautadze received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the corner of Courtois’s net (2-1, m.72). A stunning goal.
Marcelino’s men were then reduced to ten players when Mouriño received a second yellow card for a foul on Vinicius. A harsh punishment.
With the numerical advantage, Real Madrid made it 3-1 through Mbappé, who finished off a pass from Brahim.
Villarreal’s next match will be against Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday 18th October. Another big challenge awaits. Let’s go, Yellows!
