Villarreal are defeated by Celta after playing from the 36th minute with ten men after a harsh sending off for Eric Bailly (3-0)
Villarreal lost to Celta in a match conditioned by the early and controversial sending off of Eric Bailly in the 38th minute after a foul on Alfon. With one less player on the pitch, the Submarine could not hold on and the victory went to Celta with goals from Fer López, Borja Iglesias and Aspas (3-0).
Marcelino made five changes to the starting XI from the team that started the game against Real Sociedad in the previous LALIGA fixture. Kambwala and Bailly lined up at the heart of the defence, while Alfonso Pedraza took the captain’s armband on the left flank. For his part, Gueye came into the midfield and Nicolas Pepe played up front.
With a day’s rest less than their opponents, the Submarine took to the field ready to give everything to get three vital points. Marcelino’s team was well organised on the pitch and prevented the home teams from getting close to goal. The only chance before the half-hour mark was a shot from Fer López that Pape Gueye avoided by diving to the ground (m.22).
In the 36th minute, the most controversial moment of the match took place. And again against Villarreal’s interests. Eric Bailly was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Alfon. The referee, Alberola Rojas, interpreted that the Yellows No.4 was the last man.
In the closing stages of the first half it was 1-0. Fer Lopez picked up a loose ball at the far post to send it into the back of the net.
After the changing rooms, Villarreal tried again. With one man down on the pitch it was more difficult. Nicolas Pepe had a chance with a left-footed shot that found Guaita. In the 52nd minute it was 2-0. Borja Iglesias took advantage of a rebound off the post to beat Luiz Junior.
The Submarine had a chance from a set piece on the hour mark. Denis Suárez expertly flicked on a corner kick and Comesaña headed just wide.
Rubén Uría, who was on the Villarreal bench for the game, made changes in search of a reaction. Parejo, Ayoze and Buchanan came on. The Yellows tried, but the scoreboard would not move. Celta made it 3-0 in the 86th minute through Iago Aspas from the penalty spot.
Villarreal’s next match will be on Sunday against RCD Espanyol at the Estadio de la Cerámica (4:15pm CEST). The fight continues.
