Villarreal beat Valencia on derby day thanks to two ‘golazos’ from Paco Alcácer and Gerard Moreno to move into European spots
A very special derby. And even more so as European football is at stake. Villarreal beat Valencia 2-0 in a hugely important win on their quest to secure a European spot. Two great volleys from Paco Alcácer and Gerard Moreno were the difference on derby day. With this victory, the Yellow Submarine pick up 13 from 15 possible points on their return to league play after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands of Yellows fans were unable to attend the game in person at the Estadio de la Cerámica, but no doubt enjoyed the show from their television screens. This is for them and for all those that hold Villarreal in their hearts.
Javi Calleja was without the injured Sofian Chakla and Funes Mori, as well as the suspended Alberto Moreno and Manu Trigueros. Despite these absences, the Yellows boss set up with a solid starting eleven.
The intense heat meant the game wasn’t as fast-paced, but there was plenty of quality on show. The Submarine started in fine form, creating their first chance just five minutes into the game. Mario Gaspar won the ball back and set Chukwueze on his way, the Nigerian letting rip a shot with his left foot that brushed the outside of the far post.
It was the prelude to the first goal. In the 13th minute, Gerard Moreno received the ball out on the right and played a precise, curling cross into the box where Paco Alcácer got on the end of it to fire a beautiful volley into the far bottom corner. The no.17 positioned his body for the strike as the ball came over and connected perfectly with it to open the scoring with an absolute screamer. What a goal.
Following the opener, the Yellows dominated possession and the goalscoring chances just kept on coming. Santi Cazorla’s corner that was headed at the post by Gerard Moreno definitely deserves a mention. A practiced play kept out by the narrowest of margins.
Villarreal knocked the ball around in search of their second goal and they got it just before the break. It was a long play. First, Cazorla’s freekick was struck towards goal by Albiol at the far post, and after a few attempts to clear the ball finally ended up at Asenjo’s feet. The Villarreal no.1 played a long ball forward to Cazorla, who brought the ball out of the air with a first-time volleyed pass across the face of goal to Gerard, and the Yellows no.7 didn’t think twice, smashing the ball into the back of the net with a sensational volley. The ball didn’t even touch the floor before it was nestled in the back of Valencia’s net (2-0, m. 44). Sublime stuff.
In the second half, Calleja’s men were very well organised defensively and still looked to press forward. Villarreal’s first change was Bruno Soriano. The midfielder from Artana, who came back into the side after more than three years out to play some minutes against Sevilla, found himself with a good half an hour to leave his mark on today’s game.
The Yellows didn’t suffer too much, using the possession of the ball as their main weapon. With this and thanks to the sacrifice of the whole team they held on to their lead. A very special win for so many reasons.
Villarreal’s next match is against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium (Wednesday, 10pm CEST).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario Gaspar, Albiol, Pau, Quintillà; Chukwueze (Ontiveros, m. 88), Anguissa, Iborra (Bruno, m. 64), Cazorla (Morlanes, m. 88); Gerard (Moi Gómez, m. 79) and Paco Alcácer (Bacca, m. 88).
Valencia CF: Cillesen; Florenzi, Gabriel, Hugo Guillamón, Gayà (Jaume Costa, m. 40); Ferran (Guedes, m. 46), Parejo (Kondogbia, m. 64), Wass, Carlos Soler (Kang In, m. 79); Rodrigo (Gameiro, m. 79) and Maxi Gómez.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 13: Paco Alcácer. 2-0. Min. 44: Gerard.
Referee: González González. Booked: Hugo Guillamón and Jaume Costa for Valencia.
Information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 32 played at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
