Gerard and Morales score the winning goals at the Power Horse Stadium thanks to two assists from Chukwueze
Villarreal won with authority against UD Almería at the Power Horse Stadium (0-2) in a complicated game against the third best team at home in LaLiga, who were also in high spirits after beating the leaders at home in their last match. Gerard Moreno, who was back in action after his late appearance against Getafe, scored the first goal of the game and José Luis Morales finished the game off to give the Submarine a win, with Samu Chukwueze, who provided two assists, playing a key role.
The Submarine’s players started looking for the goal from the first seconds, especially through Chukwueze, who was creating danger near the opponent’s area, and who was looking dangerous and leaving opponents in his path.
Almeria had their plan on the counter-attack, but that didn’t deter Quique Setién’s men and Ramón Terrats came very close to scoring his first goal for the Submarine. On the 20-minute mark, and with the Yellows in their opponents’ half, Pau put in a masterful cross for Juan Foyth’s header, which flew just wide of Fernando’s goal.
For his part, Morales was moving well to receive between the lines and had a golden opportunity alone against Fernando, who hurt himself with a magnificent save, although the move was disallowed for offside. Then, another good individual move by Chukwueze almost ended in a goal for the Nigerian.
Villarreal were in superb form and were far superior to their opponents. The only thing missing was a goal, which could not come in the first half despite numerous chances.
After the restart, Yeremy had a good chance in a one-on-one, as Morales had done in the first half, but Mariño, who had replaced Fernando at half-time, was impeccable.
The chances in the second half, despite the Yellows’ control of the game, were more limited. This time, however, the goal did come. Gerard, who had come off the bench, was on target to open the scoring at the Power Horse Stadium, firing home first time after Chukwueze’s further brilliance down the right flank.
Morales then finished off the game with a superb goal after another assist from the Nigerian winger, with the striker getting on the end of it with a first-time volley to seal the win. As well as the win, the good news of the afternoon was the return of Gio Lo Celso after several months on the sidelines.
Next up for the Submarine will be in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with the first leg of the Round of 16 on Thursday 9th March at 6:45pm CET at Lotto Park against Anderlecht.
Lineups:
UD Almería: Fernando C.S. (m. 46, D. Mariño); Chumi, R. Ely, Babic, Akieme (M. 46, Centelles); L. Baptistao, C. de la Hoz, Robertone, Embarba (m. 46, Samu); L. Suárez (m. 70, Ramazani), El Bilal.
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau, Alberto M. (m. 79, A. Pedraza); Parejo, R. Terrats (m. 69, Capoue), Álex B. (m. 89, Lo Celso); Chukwueze (m. 89, Mojica), A.J. Morales, Yeremy (m. 69, Gerard).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 76: Gerard. 0-2. Min. 87: A.J. Morales.
Referee: González Fuertes. Booked: Chumi, Luis Suárez (UD Almería); Foyth, R. Albiol, Gerard, Lo Celso (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match between UD Almería and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Gameweek 24 of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season, at the Power Horse Stadium.
