Villarreal beat Getafe in an exciting match defined by Asenjo’s two penalty saves
Villarreal got back to winning ways after five matches and they did so in a thrilling match. The Submarine beat Getafe by the narrowest of margins thanks to an early goal, and the only goal of the game, by Enes Ünal. A special mention must go to the spectacular performance by Sergio Asenjo, who saved two penalties to keep a clean sheet.
The match started magnificently. The Submarine took the lead on the score board after just two minutes of play. Samu Castillejo played a great ball forward into the path of Carlos Bacca and the Colombian sent in a driven cross to the far post for Enes Ünal to slide home (1-0, m. 2). The match could not have got off to a better start.
It was a very even clash in the first 45 minutes. Villarreal and Getafe fought for every ball as if it were the last of the season. There was a lot to play for.
The side from Madrid could have equalized in the 36th minute. The referee, Sánchez Martínez, harshly pointed to the spot as he deemed Javi Fuego to have fouled Djené and Ángel stepped up to take the spot kick. His strike was kept out of the back of the net by a spectacular save by Asenjo. What a save by the Yellows goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet.
The start of the second half began with another penalty given to the visitors. Sánchez Martínez pointed to the spot again after he believed Jaume Costa to trip his opponent as he was looking at the ball. This time Jorge Molina stepped up to the spot but the result was the same (m. 50). Asenjo saved again. The Villarreal number 1 was the hero of the match. The fans chanted his name in unison. And deservedly so. Incredible.
Then the match opened up. Javi Calleja put Rodrigo Hernández on to control the ball in the middle of the park, changing to play with a midfield line of four. The team knew how to suffer and pick up three very important points ahead of the fight for those European spots.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Rukavina, Bonera, Víctor Ruiz, Jaume Costa; Samu Castillejo (Raba, m. 70), Javi Fuego, Trigueros (Rodrigo, m. 55), Soriano; Bacca (Fornals, m. 80) and Enes Ünal.
Getafe CF: Guaita; Molinero, Djené, Bruno, Antunes; Portillo (Merveil, m. 68), Arambarri, Fajr, Gaku (Molina, m. 46); Remy (Amath, m. 68) and Ángel.
Goal: 1-0. Min. 2: Enes Ünal.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez. Cautioned: Víctor Ruiz, Samu Castillejo, Enes Ünal, Soriano and Jaume Costa for Villarreal; Molinero, Antunes and Fajr for Getafe.
Match Information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 25 at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 16,125 spectators. A minute of silence was held in memory of the ertzaina Inocencio Alonso García, who passed away before the UEFA Europa League match between Athletic Club and Spartak Moscow at San Mamés.
