The referee gave two penalties against Villarreal and failed to send off Athletic’s Capa after a heavy challenge on Cazorla
Villarreal lost against Athletic Club in game full of controversial refereeing decisions. The only goal of the game came from an extremely harsh penalty given against Pau Torres, scored by Raúl García. Referee David Medié Jiménez gave another spot-kick to the home team – which was stopped by Sergio Asenjo – and didn’t show Ander Capa a red card after a very heavy challenge on Santi Cazorla.
The starting XI picked by Javi Calleja was once more made up of entirely Spanish players, for a second match in the row. There was a change from the game against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Javi Ontiveros coming in for Moi Gómez on the left of the Yellows’ attack.
The first half was intense. There were good chances for both sides. The Yellow’s best chance came in the 11th minute. Paco Alcácer received the ball on the edge of the box and played a great pass for Gerard Moreno, who found himself one-on-one with Unai Simón, forcing the Basque keeper into a save.
The first half wasn’t controversy free. Just before half-time, Capa came in on Cazorla, at knee level, which could have been a red card for Athletic’s right back. Only a yellow was given.
If this piece of play was controversial, the moment that saw the penalty given ahead of the opening goal was unbelievable. Medié Jiménez pointed to the spot after the ball hit Pau Torres’ arm. The defender had his arms behind his back to try and stop this happening. The referee believed it was a penalty and Raúl García scored from the spot.
In the 64th minute, the referee gave another penalty against Villarreal. This time it was Raúl Albiol who had supposedly handled it. Asenjo stopped Iñaki Williams’ effort, giving the Yellows hope.
Villarreal dominated the closing minutes, with their substitutions pushing the team forward in their quest to find a goal. Alcácer was close twice, but was unable to find the back of the net. Athletic also had chances, but Asenjo was immense to keep them out.
Next up for the Yellows is a game against CD Leganés at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Sunday, 6:30pm CET).
Lineups:
Athletic Club: Unai Simón; Capa, Yeray, Íñigo Martínez, Yuri; Ibai Gómez (Williams, m. 51), Dani García, Vesga, Córdoba (Unai Núñez, m. 81), Muniain (Sancet, m. 72); Raúl García.
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Peña, Albiol, Pau, Alberto Moreno; Cazorla (Chukwueze, m. 66), Iborra (Anguissa, m. 57), Trigueros, Ontiveros (Moi Gómez, m. 74); Gerard Moreno, Paco Alcácer.
Goal: 1-0. Min. 55: Raúl García, (penalty).
Árbitro: Medié Jiménez. Booked: Yuri, Capa, Vesga y Raúl García (Athletic Club); Cazorla, Pau, Iborra, Gerard, Anguissa, Chukwueze (Villarreal CF). Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano was booked, while Villarreal manager Javi Calleja was sent off.
Matchday information: Game corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 26 at San Mamés.
