Villarreal draw against the Basque side in a game where two possible penalties for the Yellows were not given
A hard-fought draw, but a controversial one. Villarreal drew against Athletic Club at the Estadio de la Cerámica (1-1) in a match that was, inevitably, marked by refereeing decisions. A total of two penalties could have gone to the Yellows, but neither were given. Medié Jiménez did point to the spot once, but his decision was overturned by VAR. The ‘Lions’ went ahead through Iñaki Williams, while Yeremy Pino equalised in the second half.
Unai Emery once more went for Juan Foyth in the holding-midfield role after Vicente Iborra’s long-term injury. The Argentina lined up in the middle of the pitch alongside Manu Trigueros and Dani Parejo. Up front, youngster Fer Niño continued up front, alongside Gerard Moreno and Moi Gómez on the wings. A striker force made in the Yellows Academy.
The first half was full of bad luck. First of all, Niño was brought down in the box by Unai Simón and the referee pointed to the spot. After VAR looked at the decision, Medié Jiménez overturned his decision. This affected the Yellows, who went 0-1 down in 19th minute. Williams, just onside, scored with a low shot past Sergio Asenjo. Four minutes later, Mario Gaspar went off injured, with Rubén Peña replacing him.
The Yellows tried to draw level in every way posible, with passes through the middle, with crosses from out wide… But nothing worked. Gerard had a chance with a shot slightly off balance after a cross from the left from Alfonso Pedraza, but the Yellows No.7’s shot went wide.
Just before half-time, there was controversy once more. Vencedor touched the ball in the box with his hand, but, much to the Yellows’ dismay, the referee decided that it was not a penalty.
Villarreal went all out in the second half. Niño, Pedraza and Gerard had great chances to level the score. A lack of finishing and great saves by Simón denied them. Emery looked to the bench, bringing on Yeremy for Juan Foyth. An offensive change that worked perfectly.
The Canarian winger hit the post in the 73rd minute, and only a few seconds later made it 1-1, with a powerful left-footed effort after a Manu Trigueros pass. The ball entered like a rocket into the Basque goal. A great goal, that was more than deserved.
From there on, every ball was fought for like it was the last ball of the game, although the scoreboard stayed the same.
Next up for Villarreal CF will be against Sevilla at the Rmón Sánchez-Pizjuán (Tuesday, 29th November, 5pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario Gaspar (Rubén Peña, m. 23), Albiol, Pau, Pedraza (Estupiñán, m. 81); Trigueros, Foyth (Yeremy, m. 65), Parejo; Gerard, Fer Niño (Chukwueze, m. 81) Moi Gómez.
Athletic Club: Unai Simón; Capa, Yeray, Íñigo Martínez, Yuri; Vesga (Dani García, m. 57), Vencedor; De Marcos (Lekue, m. 83), Muniain (Sancet, m. 78), Berenguer (Morci, m. 83); Williams (Raúl García, m. 78).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 19: Williams. 1-1. Min. 74: Yeremy.
Referee: Medié Jiménez. Booked: Gerard (Villarreal), Berenguer (Athletic Club).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 15 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Villarreal players took to the pitch with a shirt of support for Zoe, a young girl from Vila-real, who needs surgery in Boston due to a complex heart condition.
