Villarreal B draw in Sanlúcar and will face Zamora in the Segunda División promotion play-offs
Villarreal B earned a draw away to Atlético Sanluqueño (1-1) in a match that had everything – goals, red cards and saved penalties – and ultimately ended with the points shared. It was a game the Yellows approached with the pressure off after mathematically securing their play-off spot last weekend.
With this result, Villarreal B finish fourth in Primera Federación Group II and will now face Zamora – third in Group I – in the first round of the promotion play-offs to LALIGA HYPERMOTION.
It was a first half full of intensity and competitive edge. The Yellows took an early lead in the 10th minute when Pablo Pascual threaded a ball through to Ayman and the Moroccan striker, after controlling superbly, beat the home goalkeeper with a powerful low finish across goal.
Albelda’s side continued to dominate and looked far more dangerous than their opponents. Around the half-hour mark, they had a great chance to double their advantage from the penalty spot, but Eto’o saw his effort saved by the Cádiz side’s goalkeeper.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Sergio Niza latched onto a floated cross after making a run into the box and, despite not catching his volley cleanly, managed to level the score in surprising fashion.
The second half became even more fiercely contested and Kinareikin emerged as one of the key figures after saving a penalty in the 53rd minute.
In the 69th minute, Bonafé tested the opposition goalkeeper once again with a fierce strike from the edge of the area that forced an excellent save.
The match became even more complicated ten minutes from time when Albert García arrived late in a challenge and was shown a straight red card. Despite being reduced to ten men, Albelda’s side continued to push for a winner, but the second goal never arrived.
