The Yellow Submarine took the lead but could not hold on to it against the ‘armeros’ (2-3)
Villarreal lost against SD Eibar at the Estadio de la Cerámica in a match that was dictated by controversial refereeing. The Yellows’ two goals were scored by Roberto Soriano.
The first clear chance of the game was met with controversy. Soldado played a great through ball to Bakambu, which sent him through one on one with Yoel, but the referee ruled the French-Congolese striker offside.
The Submarine opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. Mario put in a great cross from the right wing and Roberto Soriano headed home at the back post. A brilliant header by the Yellow number 20, which tied him with Sansone as Villarreal’s top goal scorer this season with eight goals (1-0, m. 17).
The game was wide open, with both teams creating danger in the attacking third. The next chance for the Yellows fell to Roberto Soldado. The Yellow number 9 received the ball on the top of the box after taking a quick free kick and his screamer of a shot from long range struck the crossbar (m. 26). A matter of centimetres.
The second half was also full of controversial calls. The referee Ocón Arráiz pointed to the penalty spot after Kike went down in the area, for an inexistent foul by Álvaro. Pedro León took on the responsibility of taking the spot kick and converted (1-1, m. 47).
Shortly after the referee misjudged again. Mario set off down the right wing, crossed the ball in and it clearly struck Lejeune on the hand. Ocón Arráiz did not see it clearly though and no penalty was given for the home side. Straight after the visitors took the lead (1-2). Kike knocked the ball in at the front post giving the ‘armeros’ the advantage.
Eibar then scored their third courtesy of Inui. The Japanese midfielder went up against Andrés Fernández and beat the Yellows’ goalkeeper by firing a bullet of a shot into the far top corner.
Soriano scored his second of the match in the final minutes (2-3), making him the Yellow Submarine’s top goalscorer. The number 20 slotted home a loose ball in the box at the near post. The last couple of minutes were nerve-wracking to say the least, but the equalizer did not come.
Villarreal’s next match is this Tuesday 4th April against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium (9:30pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Andrés Fernández; Mario, Álvaro, Bonera, Jaume Costa; Samu Castillejo (Adrián, m. 58), Bruno, Trigueros (Jonathan dos Santos, m. 58), Soriano; Bakambu (Santos Borré, m. 80) and Soldado.
SD Eibar: Yoel; Capa (Luna, m. 39), Lejeune, Ramis, Arbilla (Gálvez, m. 63); Pedro León, Escalante, Dani García, Inui; Kike (Rivera, m. 76) and Sergi Enrich.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 17: Soriano. 1-1. Min. 47: Pedro León, penalty. 1-2. Min. 54: Kike. 1-3. Min. 77: Inui. 2-3. Min. 88: Soriano.
Referee: Ocón Arráiz (La Rioja, Spain). Cautioned: Bonera, Samu Castillejo, Álvaro and Soldado for Villarreal; Luna and Kike for Eibar.
Match Information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Santander Matchday 29, played at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
