Villarreal ends LaLiga on fifth place after winning the derby against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium
Villarreal achieves a brilliant qualification for the upcoming edition of the UEFA Europa League after its victory against Valencia on the last match day by 1-3 and ending the championship with a extraordinary 5th place and 67 points. A great triumph on the derby for a great season.
The match couldn’t have had a better start. The Submarine took the lead on the first minute with Roberto Soldado taking advantage of a defensive mistake by Valencia and scored a extraordinary cross shot. The striker didn’t celebrate the goal due to his condition of former Valencia player.
From that moment onwards, Villarreal would achieve a UEFA Europa League spot if it was able to keep the victory, independently of what Athletic Club and Real Sociedad were doing.
The Submarine knew a solid defense was key and tried to be very effective when attacking. Fran Escribá’s men kept generating scoring chances since that moment and on the 9th minute Santos pushed Soldado inside the box. Controversial play as Soldado claimed for a penalty but the referee didn’t make the call.
As time went on Valencia improved its game. Andrés Fernández stepped up and with his gigantic saves didn’t allow Valencia to draw the match. First rejecting Parejo’s short range front shot and secondly blocking another shot by Gayà.
Despite this, Valencia managed to score at the beginning of the second half with a header by Nani. The Portuguese international ended a very good play by Rodrigo from the left.
The Submarine reacted promtly. Manu Trigueros scored the 1-2 after an exceptional play on attack by the Yellows, ending in an assist by Jonathan dos Santos and the goal by Trigueros.
Villarreal took the lead again, but there was still a long way to go. Andrés Fernández saved another clear chance rejecting Zaza’s shot (m. 71).
Until the end, Escribá’s men showed their more solid version, fastbreaking with strong attacks. Bakambu had the 1-3 but his shot was too centered. Sansone didn’t miss his chance though. The Italian striker received an assist from Adrián and scored with a great shot.
With this 5th place Villarreal will access next year’s group stage of the UEFA Europa League. Well done!
Lineups:
Valencia CF: Jaume; Montoya (Munir, m. 69), Santos, Mangala, Gayà; Joao Cancelo, Carlos Soler, Parejo, Nani (Bakkali, m. 85); Rodrigo (Santi Mina, m. 79) and Zaza.
Villarreal CF: Andrés; Mario, Bonera, Álvaro, Jaume Costa; Jonathan dos Santos, Bruno, Trigueros, Soriano (Sansone, m. 73); Bakambu (Rodrigo, m. 86) and Soldado (Adrián, m. 67).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 1: Soldado. 1-1. Min. 53: Nani. 1-2. Min. 57: Trigueros. 1-3. Min. 87: Sansone.
