An outstanding Villarreal took the Mestalla by storm (0-2) and secured fourth place mathematically
We’re in the Champions League! Villarreal secured their place in next season’s Champions League after defeating Valencia by 0-2 at the Mestalla with goals from Samu García and Adrián. The Yellows -with up to ten changes from the Liverpool game- put in a really good performance from start to finish in the derby, in which they did not only contain the black and whites, but also knew how to make the most of their chances to take the three points and thus secured their presence in Europe’s biggest competition for next season.
Both teams played at a very high tempo in the opening minutes. Valencia keeping possession more and Villarreal organised and ready to break dangerously as they won the ball back. After coming close a few times, it was the Yellows that were the first to strike.
In the 13th minute Soldado overlapped Adrián and after receiving the pass showed his class as he went round two defenders and played a perfect pass to Samu García, who was waiting in the penalty area. The Malaga native placed the ball brilliantly to make it 0-1.
Ten minutes later Rodri almost embarrassed Diego Alves with a great shot from outside the box after fine play by Adrián, but the Brazilian goalkeeper was equal to it. The Submarine were not creating many chances, but when they did attack they were precise and looked dangerous. Valencia tried to find a way through, but the Yellows closed them down perfectly and got forward well on the counterattack.
In the 33rd minute, Marcelino’s men took advantage of a defensive error to increase their lead. After noticing the high defence Adrián accelerated and, after winning the ball back, was through one on one with Diego Alves. The Asturian native made no mistake and made it 0-2 to the Submarine.
Five minutes before half time, the Submarine were so close to making it 0-3. After a back heel from Samu García on the edge of the box, Soldado fired but his effort went wide, brushing the post.
The game continued similarly at the start of the second half. Then, in the 67th minute, the Yellows came within touching distance of their third again. After an Adrián cross, Siqueira’s touch went towards his own goal, but was saved by the post.
At the end of the second half, the Submarine kept the ball down and played it around calmly against a Valencia side whose problems only got worse as Cheryshev left the pitch injured, after three subs had already been used, consequently taking them down to ten men.
Line-ups:
Valencia CF: Diego Alves; Cancelo, Mustafi, Aderlan Santos, Siqueira; Javi Fuego (Enzo Pérez, min. 70), Parejo, André Gomes (Paco Alcácer, min. 75); Rodrigo, Santi Mina (Cheryshev, min. 58) and Negredo.
Villarreal CF: Areola; Rukavina, Musacchio (min. 69, Víctor Ruiz), Bonera, Adrián Marín; Samuel, Trigueros, Rodri (Bruno, min. 58), Castillejo; Soldado (Mario, min. 61) and Adrián.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 13: Samu García. 0-2. Min. 33: Adrián.
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (Madrid, Spain). Cautioned: Javi Fuego (min. 40) for Valencia and Musacchio (min. 22) and Rodri (min. 42) for Villarreal.
