Villarreal draw against Granada in a game where the Yellows lacked cutting edge up front
Villarreal get a point against Granada (0-0) in the first league game of the 2021/22 season. The Yellows were better than their opponents, however, the lack of cutting edge in the final third ended up costing Unai Emery’s side, who were unable to find the formula to get a goal against the Andalusian side. The Yellows’ persistence was not rewarded, despite them continuing to look for the winner, even after the expulsion of Juan Foyth late on in the game.
To line up against Granada CF, Unai Emery set up with a starting XI practically the same as the one that started the UEFA Super Cup. Only two chances. In goal, Gero Rulli came in for Sergio Asenjo, and in defence, Aissa Mandi replaced Pau Torres.
Villarreal started the match strongly. The Yellows imposed their tempo on the game in the opening minutes, surprising the Andalusian side with various chances early on. The connection between Gerard Moreno and Boulaye Dia caused problems for Granada CF. Twice the French-Senegalese striker could have put the Submarine ahead on the scoreboard after getting on the end of a ball from his striker partner.
The first half saw the Yellows dominated, but despite playing well, they were unable to get the goal their play deserved. The fans, who returned to the Estadio de la Cerámica after a number of months away, showed their commitment, cheering on the team from the first minute of the game.
After the interval, Villarreal continued to try and break the deadlock on the scoreboard. As the minutes went on, the Submarine gained more possession and were more dangerous in the opposition box, while Granada seemed happy with the potential draw at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Manu Trigueros and Gerard went close to scoring on two occasions that went just off target. The midfielder’s powerful shot went over the bar, while the Catalan forward’s header went just over the woodwork.
Late on, Emery looked to the bench, making five substitutions and looking for fresh legs to try and get a goal as the match was coming to its end. The task was made more difficult however, by the sending off of Foyth for two yellow cards, and the Submarine were a man down for more than ten minutes at the end.
Despite the numerical inferiority, Villarreal could have won the match at the very end. With nearly 90 minutes on the clock, Gerard went close to scoring with a chip that Dimitri Foulquier cleared off the goal line. The chance came from a fantastic Dani Raba pass.
In added time, the Submarine went close again. On the counter, Pervis Estupiñán was unable to find Dia, who would have gone one-on-one with the Granada goalkeeper.
The match ended goalless between Villarreal and Granada in the opening league game of the season. Not much reward for the Submarine, who were the superior side until going a man down.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth, R. Albiol, Mandi, A. Pedraza (Estupiñán, m. 77); Yeremy (Raba, m. 71), M. Trigueros (Coquelin, m. 77), Capoue (R. Peña, m. 71), Alberto M. (Moi Gómez, m. 71); Gerard, Dia.
Granada CF: Aarón; Foulquier, Germán (Víctor Díaz, m. 85), Domingos D., C. Neva; Monchu, Gonalons, L. Milla (Montoro, m. 61); Antonio Puertas (Soro, m. 85), L. Suárez (Bacca, m. 45), D. Machís (Molina, m. 79).
Referee: González Fuertes. Booked: Gerard, Capoue, R. Peña (Villarreal), Germán (Granada). Sent off: Foyth (m. 82)
Matchday information: Partido entre el Villarreal CF y el Granada CF correspondiente a la jornada 1 de LaLiga 2021/22 celebrado en el Estadio de la Cerámica ante 7.837 espectadores. Match between Villarreal CF and Granada CF, corresponding to Matchday 1 of the 2021/22 season at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 7,837 fans.
