Villarreal U23s dominated in their Premier League International Cup match, but Swansea equalised late on
Villarreal U23s drew against Swansea City in their opening Premier League International Cup game (1-1) in a clash where Miguel Álvarez’s side dominated the ball from the first minute until the last, getting ahead thanks to a goal from Mukwelle Akale. However, the Welsh team equalised in added time, leaving the match as a draw
Álvarez’s team showed their intentions from the start of the game. First, Akale’s powerful shot caused problems, but Swansea’s defence were able to clear the ball. Then, the same player, after a formidable counter-attack, played a ball between the lines to Enric Franquesa, whose shot was saved well by the opposition goalkeeper. The goal hadn’t come, but it was clear that Villarreal were pressing for it. For their part, Swansea also had chances to get in front, but Diego Fuoli denied them well on several occasions. At half-time, the match was goalless, despite the ‘groguet’ superiority.
In the second half, Villarreal U23s continued their dominance of the ball against a Swansea side whose efforts on goal were few and far between. The best chance for the Mini Submarine came in the 65th minute when the referee gave the away side a penalty after Akale was brought down in the box. He stepped up and put it away to make it 0-1. But, deep into added time, in the 98th minute, Adnan Marić’s long-range effort equalised for the Swans to ensure both sides came away with a draw.
Lineups:
Swansea City: Gregor Zabret; Tyler Reid, Declan John (Aaron Lewis, m. 77), Tom Price (Ryan Blair, m. 77), Cian Harries; Adnan Marić, Oliver Cooper; Joel Asoro (Jordon Garrick, m. 62), Botti Biabi, Liam Cullem.
Villarreal CF B: Diego Fuoli; Andrei, Franquesa, Roger Riera, Pepe Castaño; Lozano, Fran Álvarez, Iván Martín (Adrián Riera, m. 72), Pedrito (Villa, m. 63), Akale (Carlos Beitia, m. 79); Mario.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 65: Akale. 1-1. Min. 98: Adnan Marić.
Referee: Tom Reeves. Booked: Cian Harries (Swansea City); Pepe Castaño (Villarreal B).
Match information: Matchday 1 of the Premier League International Cup at Landore Training Ground.
