Villarreal deserved the win with goals from Gerard and Moi Gómez, but Bale equalised twice before being sent off
Villarreal got a deserved point against Real Madrid, after playing well, and perhaps even deserved to come away with three. The Yellow Submarine’s goals came from Gerard and Moi Gómez, while the Whites found the back of the net at the Estadio de la Cerámica thanks to a brace by Gareth Bale, who was sent off in added time.
Javi Calleja trusted in the men who played well against Levante despite the harsh defeat at the Ciutat de València. The only change saw Xavi Quintillà start, replacing the injured Alberto Moreno.
With the Estadio de la Cerámica rocking during the local Mare de Déu de Gràcia festivities, the match lived up to expectations. Fast-paced from the first minute.
The first team to strike were the Yellows. Gerard stole the ball from Sergio Ramos, played a pass inside to Karl Toko Ekambi, with the Cameroonian shooting from wide. Thibaut Courtois pushed the ball out, but it fell to Gerard’s feet, who scored with a powerful effort (1-0, m. 11). Referee Jesús Gil Manzano ruled the goal out for an inexistent offside on Toko Ekambi. VAR overruled him and the ground exploded with joy.
Calleja’s team put in an excellent first half, but they went in level. Dani Carvajal set up Bale, who was left alone in the box for an easy finish (1-1, m. 45+1).
The excitement continued in the second half, with both teams pushing forward exchanging blows. Calleja made substitutions to freshen up a team that gave everything until the final whistle. Javi Ontiveros, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Carlos Bacca all came on.
Moi Gómez was the man to make it two for Villarreal. The former Yellows Academy player pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box after a great attack by the Submarine. Gerard’s shot was saved by Courtois and Ontiveros was quick to react, his shot heading towards goal with Moi guiding it home from close range (m.73).
Real Madrid equalised for the second time in the game in the 85th minute. That man Bale again. The Welshman received the ball deep on the right flank, cut inside in the box and sent a powerful strike into the near bottom corner of Andrés’ net (2-2).
The Whites were left with a man down seconds before the final whistle. Bale was shown his second yellow card of the match after two consecutive fouls on the touchline.
Villarreal go into the international break with two points from three games, but with the feeling they should have come away with more. Let’s keep going! Sempre Endavant!
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Andrés Fernández; Mario Gaspar, R. Albiol, Pau, Quintillà; Chukwueze (J. Ontiveros, m. 54), Iborra, S. Cazorla (Bacca, m. 72), Moi Gómez, Toko Ekambi (Anguissa, m. 61), Gerard.
Real Madrid CF: Courtois; Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Mendy; Lucas Vázquez (Vinicius, m. 72), Casemiro, Kroos (Valverde, m. 82), Bale; Jovic (Modric, m. 68), Benzema.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 11: Gerard. 1-1. Min. 45+1: Bale. 2-1. Min. 73: Moi Gómez. 2-2. Min. 85: Bale.
Referee: Gil Manzano (C. Extremeño). Booked: Quintillà (Villarreal); Mendy, Casemiro (Real Madrid). Sent off: Bale (m. 93).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 3 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. A minute’s silence was held for former Spain coach Luis Enrique Martínez’s daughter, Xana.
