Villarreal draw against Deportivo Alavés with a header from Jorge Cuenca
Villarreal earned a hard-fought point away to Deportivo Alavés in a match in which the Yellows equalised after Samu Omorodion’s early goal with a header from Jorge Cuenca (1-1). With this result, the Submarine have now gone four consecutive matches without defeat.
The change in Marcelino’s starting eleven was the presence of Yerson Mosquera. The Colombian centre-back played for the first time in the starting line-up, forming a central defensive partnership with Raúl Albiol. Jorge Cuenca played at left-back.
The match was thrilling from the opening whistle. An impressive exchange of blows in which the forwards had clear chances to put their respective teams ahead.
Guridi crashed the ball against the post, Jorgensen had to make some fine saves, Kiko Femenía was left alone on a counter-attack after a long run, Sorloth and Gerard also had chances shortly after, but none of them resulted in a goal.
Samu Omorodion was the one who did get it right. The Alavés striker headed home Sola’s right-wing cross to send the ball into the back of the net with a subtle touch (1-0, m.24).
The Submarine continued to search hard for a goal. Sorloth could have scored from Baena’s pass, but he was denied by a superb save from Sivera in a move where there was no offside. In the 41st minute, another chance for the Yellows. Baena took a free-kick for Gerard and the Yellows No.7’s shot was cleared off the line by Abqar. Incredible.
The reward came in the 42nd minute. Baena expertly flicked on a corner and Cuenca headed home through a crowd of opponents to make it 1-1.
In the second half, the game remained evenly balanced. Jorgensen had to intervene to prevent a 2-1 scoreline, while Alexander Sorloth had a great chance from Ilias Akhomach’s pass that was denied by another miraculous save from Sivera.
Marcelino made changes in search of the winning goal. Guedes, Capoue, Alberto Moreno and Morales came on with the aim of freshening up the Yellows’ attack. Villarreal tried until the end, but were unable to score against Alavés.
Villarreal’s next match will be at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Getafe CF (Friday, 9pm CET).
