The team and the fans gave everything to beat Real Betis thanks to goals from Gerard and Chukwueze
It was a much-hoped for victory and it came after a great Yellow performance. Villarreal beat Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cerámica thanks to goals from Gerard Moreno and Samu Chukwueze at the start of the second half. Giovani Lo Celso got one back late on, ensuring a nervy end to the match (2-1).
Javi Calleja lined up with a 4-4-2, with a diamond in midfield and two men up front, who were Chukwueze and Moreno. The change of shape seemed to surprise Betis, who were unable to play out from the back. The Yellow Submarine’s pressing was effective.
After 15 minutes, the first real chance for the Yellows came. Chukwueze won the ball, gave it to Pablo Fornals, who let off a fierce right-footed shot which was saved by Pau López. It was the same people involved two minutes later. The No.8 tried his luck with a shot that was kept out by the Betis goalie.
The best chance for the Yellows in the first half fell to Chukwueze. Moreno played it to Manu Trigueros, who laid off a great flick to leave the Nigerian one-on-one with López. His right-footed shot was kept out, despite the home fans already on their feet to celebrate the goal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The worst part of the first half was an injury to Trigueros, with the midfielder having to leave the pitch after 39 minutes, and being replaced by Manu Morlanes.
The Submarine dominated more in the second half. They started like a train. Víctor Ruiz came close to a goal with a great header from a corner. Another time López was at full stretch much to the frustration of the Yellows.
The goal was coming. Villarreal deserved it. It arrived. Second later, a corner from Santi Cazorla came in once more, with Moreno getting on the end of it to send it to the back of the net (1-0, min. 51).
The goal gave Calleja’s side wings, scoring two minutes later. Cazorla played a fantastic pass within the area to set Chukwueze free, with the Nigerian scoring with an unstoppable right-footed shot (2-0, min. 53). The Estadio de la Cerámica was on its feet in joy.
Despite the lead, Villarreal had to put everything on the line to get the win. Sergio Asenjo was immense, keeping Mandi’s header out somehow.
Quique Setién’s side were able to cut the lead in the 89th minute. Lo Celso put a perfect shot into the top corner, with Asenjo unable to do anything (2-1). The last minutes were not ideal for Yellows fans’ hearts, but the three points stayed at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Well done, Yellows!
The next Villarreal match will be away at Rangers in the Europa League (Thursday, 9pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario Gaspar (Miguelón, m. 66), Funes Mori, Víctor Ruiz, Pedraza; Trigueros (Morlanes, m. 39), Cáseres, Cazorla, Fornals; Chukwueze, Gerard (Bacca, m. 78).
Real Betis: Pau López; Francis, Mandi, Bartra, Feddal (Tello, m. 59), Junior; William Carvalho, Canales, Guardado (Lo Celso, m. 63), Joaquín (Sergio León, m. 68); Loren.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 51: Gerard. 2-0. Min. 53: Chukwueze. 2-1. Min. 89: Lo Celso.
Referee: Prieto Iglesias. Booked: Morlanes, Víctor Ruiz (Villarreal CF); Canales (Real Betis).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Matchday 13 of LaLiga at the Estadio de la Cerámica with an attendance of 16,028.
