Gerard equalises from 12 yards as Villarreal draw against Deportivo Alavés
Villarreal earned a point against Deportivo Alavés (1-1). Pacheta’s side were held to a draw at La Cerámica despite levelling after Samu’s goal in the early stages of the second half. It was Gerard, from 12 yards out, who scored the goal for the home side, who searched for a comeback without success.
The Submarine were back in action after the international break. The Yellows faced a new league fixture at the Estadio de la Cerámica. They welcomed Deportivo Alavés in front of their fans in a duel of the utmost importance for the aspirations of both teams.
Faced with the absence of several important players such as Álex Baena and Yeremy Pino, Pacheta changed the tactical plan for the match against Alavés. The coach from Burgos opted for a formation with three central defenders and two full backs, which widened the pitch and allowed the Yellows to play more expansive football.
Villarreal started the match with a certain degree of indecision and without much success in the circulation of the ball, which prevented them from appearing dangerously in their opponents’ half. Deportivo Alavés adjusted their press in their opponents’ half and took advantage of the home side’s inaccuracies to get close to Villarreal’s area.
After the first 20 minutes of play, the first chance of the match arrived. It fell in favour of the Vitoria team. Samu Omorodion picked up a ball behind the Villarreal defence, used his strength to get away from Cuenca and smashed his shot past Filip Jorgensen, who made a remarkable save.
Although they did not start the game with as much success as usual, Villarreal were looking for a goal. And the best chance came from Gerard Moreno. The all-time top scorer failed to finish off a fantastic cross into the box from Alfonso Pedraza on the left. In the final minutes of the match, the Submarine showed pride and gained presence in the opposition half.
The second half started with a warning from Villarreal and, immediately, a hard blow from Alavés. The visitors took the lead with a goal from Samu, who beat Filip after receiving a pass into space from Guridi. 0-1 at La Cerámica.
The away goal awoke the urgency in Villarreal, who wanted to get back into the game. With this, Pacheta’s team gained metres and took courage in search of an equaliser. On the hour mark, the referee awarded a penalty for a handball by Sedlar in the corner of the area. Spurred on by the fans, Gerard Moreno put it in. The score was 1-1.
With the Submarine going on the attack and the game wide open, Alavés could have made it 1-2. Filip saved a fantastic one-on-one from Samu, denying him a goal that would have been a real blow to the Submarine’s morale.
The Submarine had a chance before extra time. In the 88th minute, Sorloth hit the post with a shot from the heart of the area, preceded by a fantastic combination between Terrats and Alberto Moreno. There was no success or fortune to get past the equaliser. In the end, a point for each team at La Cerámica.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Jorgensen; R. Kiko F. (I. Akhomach, m. 74), Mandi (A. Alti, m. 54), R. Albiol, J. Cuenca, A. Pedraza (Alberto M., m. 54); Capoue, Parejo (Brereton Díaz, m. 86), Santi C.V. (R. Terrats, m. 74); Gerard, Sorloth.
Deportivo Alavés: Sivera; Gorosabel (Rafa Marín, m. 94), A. Abqar, A. Sedlar, R. Duarte; Guevara (Alkain, m. 94), Blanco, Guridi; A. Sola (N. Tenaglia, m. 77), Samu (Kike G., m. 88), L. Rioja (A. Rebbach, m. 94).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 48: Samu. 1-1. Min. 65: Gerard.
Referee: Gil Manzano. Booked: A. Pedraza, Sorloth, Kiko F., Santi C. V. (Villarreal CF); Guevara, Sivera, A. Abqar (Alavés=.
Incidencias: partido entre el Villarreal CF y el Deportivo Alavés, correspondiente a la jornada 10 de LALIGA EA Sports, celebrado en el Estadio de la Cerámica ante 17.498 espectadores.
