The Yellow Submarine overcame Atlético Antoniano on penalties (3-5) after a 1–1 draw over the course of the match
Villarreal CF secured a hard-fought place in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 after defeating Atlético Antoniano in the penalty shootout. Ilias Akhomach converted the decisive spot-kick and Arnau Tenas emerged as the hero by saving one of the home side’s efforts. Earlier in extra time Ayoze had made it 0–1 and the home team were able to equalise in the final moments of extra time.
The magic of the Copa del Rey once again filled the pottery city of Lebrija. The Seville-based town dressed up to welcome European champions Villarreal CF for the Second Round of the so-called knockout tournament.
The side coached by Lolo Rosano who eliminated CD Castellón in the first round dreamed of repeating their giant-killing feat and knocking out a team from a higher division. Atlético Antoniano compete in Segunda Federación and were determined to continue their journey in this beautiful competition that allows humble teams to face the biggest clubs in Spain.
The Yellow Submarine arrived at the Municipal de Lebrija with a clear objective to show their superiority on the pitch and secure their ticket to the Round of 32. Marcelino named a starting XI that included players who have played many minutes this season such as Nicolas Pepe or Pape Gueye alongside youngsters like academy product Hugo López who was presented with a fantastic opportunity.
Pushed on by a packed Municipal de Lebrija Atlético Antoniano began the match with great intensity loading balls into the box protected by Arnau Tenas.
Villarreal’s two clearest chances of the first half came in the 20th and 30th minutes. First a moment of genius from Nicolas Pepe in the final third sent Tani Oluwaseyi through on goal. From a tight angle and on his weaker foot the striker’s effort went straight into the hands of the home goalkeeper. Ten minutes later a combination between Pape Gueye and Hugo López forced a defender to clear the ball which almost ended up in his own net.
The sides went into half time with the score at 0–0.
The Yellow Submarine came out strongly in the second half seeking to break the deadlock. In the 49th minute a shot from the edge of the box by Pape Gueye was blocked. The rebound fell to Manor Solomon inside the six yard area and he struck first time with his left foot but Matías Árbol made another good save.
Villarreal continued to push forward. In the 61st minute Pape Gueye found the net from a set piece delivered from the left by Solomon however referee Hernández Maeso signalled an offside against the Senegalese midfielder.
The clearest opportunity of the match for the Yellow Submarine arrived in the 79th minute. After beating the final defender Tani Oluwaseyi shot from a tight angle and the defender cleared the ball off the line. It was an action very similar to the one he produced at the Reale Arena.
Another chance fell to Oluwaseyi just before the end of the 90 minutes. Mikautadze produced a moment of brilliance down the left flank and cut the ball back perfectly to the edge of the box for Tani. His strike flew inches wide of the post.
Neither team was able to break the deadlock and extra time awaited in Lebrija.
In extra time the opener finally arrived. A superb corner taken by Dani Parejo found Ayoze Pérez at the near post and he headed home to make it 0–1.
Even so just minutes later Atlético Antoniano levelled the match once more sending the tie to penalties.
In the penalty shootout the Yellow Submarine came out on top 3-5 with Ilias Akhomach and Arnau Tenas standing out as the heroes who booked Villarreal’s place in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.
