Villarreal beat Serie A leaders Napoli with goals from Capoue, Jackson and Gerard
Villarreal finalised their preparations for the return to competitive football by taking on the current Serie A leaders at a legendary venue, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. And they did it in style. The Submarine won 2-3 with goals from Étienne Capoue, Nicolas Jackson and Gerard Moreno.
Quique Setién’s side took the lead in the 12th minute. Capoue, who also found the back of the net against Aston Villa on Thursday, scored with a left-footed shot from inside the box (0-1). The Yellows’ joy was short-lived as Napoli equalised through Osimhen just seconds later (1-1, m.13).
Villarreal put in a complete performance in the first half, deactivating the Italian side and peppering Meret’s goal with dangerous efforts. In fact, just before the break they could have taken the lead once more. It was Capoue again, but this time his left-footed shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.
The Yellows’ good play was rewarded with the goal that made 1-2 in the second half. It was the 66th minute when Jackson galloped into the box, turned away from the defender and scored with a left-footed shot. A great goal.
Just after that there were a number of substitutions for the Yellows. Gerard, Arnaut Danjuma, Jorge Cuenca, Marcos Sánchez and Carlos Romero all came on.
It was one of those changes, Gerard, who scored Villarreal’s third. The Catalan played it into the back of the net after a great pass from Yeremy Pino (m.69). Magnificent.
Napoli added to the excitement in the final minutes with a controversial penalty converted by Kvaratskhelia (2-3, m.78).
The Submarine could have sealed the win in the 87th minute. Marcos Sánchez broke down the right, got to the byline and crossed back for Gerard, who back-heeled the ball to Danjuma whose shot hit the post.
Villarreal’s next match will see them return to official competition. They will face Guijuelo in the Second Round of the Copa del Rey (Tuesday, 9pm CET).
Lineups:
SSC Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesús, Mario Rui; Ndombele, Lobotka, Raspadori, Elmas; Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
Also played: Zerbin, Demme, Simeone, Zanoli, Barba, Zedadka, Marchisiano.
Villarreal CF: Reina; Kiko Femenía, Albiol, Pau, Mojica; Morlanes, Capoue, Baena; Collado, Jackson, Yeremy.
Also played: Gerard, Danjuma, Cuenca, Marcos Sánchez, Carlos Romero, Mandi, Iker Álvarez, Parejo, Trigueros, Coquelin, Chukwueze.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 12: Capoue. 1-1. Min. 13: Osimhen. 1-2. Min. 66: Jackson. 1-3 Min. 69: Gerard. 2-3. Min. 78: Kvaratskhelia (penalty).
Referee: Federico Dionisi (Italy).
Match inforamtion: Friendly match held at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Attendance: 24,600. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Sinisa Mihajlovic.
