Villarreal beat Leganés and move closer to the Champions League
Villarreal CF celebrated the local Sant Pasqual festivities in style. The Yellows thrashed CD Leganés (3-0) in a fantastic display from Marcelino’s team, who, spurred on by their fans, once again danced to the rhythm of La Morocha at La Cerámica. This time to put the Champions League within reach. The goals came from Ayoze, twice, and Nicolas Pepe.
After the stunning 0-1 victory at Montilivi, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Etta Eyong, the Submarine returned to the Estadio de la Cerámica in the midst of the Sant Pasqual festivities to seek a fourth consecutive LALIGA victory and take a big step toward their ambitious and exciting goal of reaching the Champions League. Marcelino’s team faced CD Leganés, who came into the match in a difficult situation. The side from Madrid are immersed in the fight to avoid relegation with just three matches left of the season.
Only four days after the last league match, Marcelino brought Alfonso Pedraza and Dani Parejo into the starting XI, both of whom were on the bench in Girona.
The fans, animated from the first minute, provided a great atmosphere to push Villarreal forward. Aware of what was at stake and caught up in the spectacular atmosphere in the stands, the team went all out from the opening whistle. Baena tried first, with a shot that missed the target. Cisse then responded with a promising shot that went just wide. Both teams had a chance to open the scoring before the first quarter of an hour was up.
Villarreal wanted to have the ball early on, and Leganés stifled their pressure. Raba and Neyou tested Luiz Júnior’s reflexes. The away side’s defensive line presented opportunities for the Yellows behind the visiting defenders.
In the 22nd minute, Ayoze Pérez, determined to be the top Spanish goalscorer in LALIGA after a marvellous year, put Villarreal ahead. The striker slightly deflected a shot from Pedraza from the edge of the box. With a subtle and almost unintentional touch, he deceived Dmitrovic to make it 1-0.
Marcelino’s team wasn’t content with just winning by the minimum and quickly made it 2-0. In the 30th minute, the Canary Islands’ connection paid off for Villarreal. Yeremy threaded an exceptional pass into space for Ayoze Pérez, who, with a right-footed shot to the far post, once again beat the the away goalkeeper.
On the stroke of half-time, Nicolas Pepe scored the third goal. He burst into space, Álex Baena spotted him, and played a wonderful pass behind the defenders. In the one-on-one, the Ivorian didn’t hesitate. He scored the third to bring La Cerámica back to its feet.
In the second half, with the score at 3-0, Marcelino’s team shut the game down. However, with Leganés focusing on attack and creating plenty of space, the Yellows could have extended their lead. In an attacking transition, Yeremy had a chance to score the fourth, but the away goalkeeper won the one-on-one battle.
With such a resounding score, the fans had a great time, singing their entire repertoire of chants. All the players substituted received a standing ovation, especially Ayoze, who went off to be replaced by Etta Eyong, whose goal at Montilivi was recognised by the fans, who gave him a great reception.
The match ended 3-0, in what could well be a key blow in the fight for the Champions League. There are still two matches left, but the Yellows are now already getting ready to sing the UCL anthem.
