Villarreal secure an all-important win in Granada in a crazy game thanks to goals from Gerard Moreno (2) and Sorloth
A stressful evening for the Submarine fans. Villarreal achieved a very important victory against Granada (2-3) with goals from Gerard Moreno (2) and Sorloth, all of them in the first half. It was 2-3 at the break, and the Yellows were able to hold on to the result until the end.
Pacheta made five changes to the starting XI from the team that drew against Deportivo Alavés (1-1). The two big new additions were youngsters Altimira and Ilias Akhomach, who started on the right side of the team. It was the first start for both of them in LaLiga. Gabbia, Alberto Moreno and Baena also started. Five new faces in search of victory.
The first half was a real madness. The Submarine managed to make it 0-3 on the scoreboard before Granada managed to cut the deficit to 2-3 on the scoreboard before the break. Crazy.
The first goal of the game came from Gerard Moreno. Alexander Sorloth broke down the left flank, got to the byline and crossed back for the Yellows No.7 to shoot past André Ferreira (0-1, m. 17).
The goal emboldened the Yellows, who took a 0-2 lead in the 23rd minute. Baena played a brilliant pass and Sorloth was awarded a penalty after being taken down by the goalkeeper. Gerard took the responsibility and scored from 11 metres.
Villarreal were on fire. And so it was not long before it was 0-3. Sorloth was on the edge of the area and unleashed a left-footed shot that flew into the Granada goal (m. 27).
The Andalusian side reacted almost immediately. In fact, just a few seconds later, Ricard received a corner on the right and beat Jorgensen with an accurate shot (1-3, m. 28).
This goal had an impact. Granada came out on top and managed to make it 2-3 five minutes later. This time it was the work of Uzuni, who twisted and turned in the area to score (33 mins).
The break was needed. For the sake of the Yellows’ hearts. After the break, academy player Carlos Romero replaced Sorloth. Alberto Moreno moved further forward on the left and Baena joined Gerard up front.
Pacheta’s team put defensive order first, looking for a counter attack that would allow them to extend their lead. It was time to suffer and Villarreal knew how to do it. Granada’s best chance came in stoppage time. Diedhiou stood in front of Jorgensen and the Yellows¡ goalkeeper made a superb save. Pacheta’s team also had the chance to score in a counter-attack that ended with a shot from Morales that was saved by André Ferreira.
Villarreal CF’s next game will be this Thursday away to Chiclana in the first round of the Copa del Rey (7pm CET).
Lineups:
Granada CF: André Ferreira; Ricard (Diedhiou, m. 82), I. Miquel, Torrente, Neva; Bryan Zaragoza, Sergio Ruiz (Petrovic, m. 82), Gonzalo Villar (Melendo, m. 59), A. Carreras (Callejón, m. 67); Puertas (Weissman, m. 67), Uzuni.
Villarreal CF: Jorgensen; Altimira, Albiol, Gabbia, Alberto Moreno (R. Terrats, m. 75); I. Akhomach (Kiko Femenía, m. 75), Parejo, Capoue, Baena (Morales, m. 57); Gerard (Comesaña, m. 82), Sorloth (Carlos Romero, m. 46).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 17: Gerard. 0-2. Min. 23: Gerard, de penalti. 0-3. Min. 27: Sorloth. 1-3. Min. 28: Ricard. 2-3. Min. 33: Uzuni.
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva (C. Gallego). Amarilla a Baena, Albiol, Carlos Romero y Parejo por parte del Villarreal.
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Matchday 11 of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season at the Nuevo Los Cármenes.
