Villarreal lose against an energetic Osasuna in a high-intensity tie
Villarreal lost 2-1 to Osasuna in a tough match for the Yellows. The home goals, from Roncaglia and Chimy Ávila, meant the three points stayed at El Sadar. The Yellow Submarine’s goal came from Pau Torres after a free-kick.
Villarreal manager Javi Calleja lined up with a recognisable side. The only change from the win against Real Betis was Samu Chukwueze, who came in for Moi Gómez. This time, the Yellows lined up in attack with Gerard Moreno, Karl Toko Ekambi and the Nigerian. The away side hoped to get a win at El Sadar, a stadium where Osasuna had not lost in 28 matches.
The Yellow Submarine started the game on fire. In the fourth minute, Villarreal opened the scoring. Pau pushed the ball into the back of the net after a free-kick. Santi Cazorla played a great ball into the box, with Gerard’s effort blocked, before falling to the Yellows No.4, who opened the scoring.
The goal changed the tie and forced Osasuna to take the initiative. Calleja’s side, ahead on the scoreboard, were dangerous when winning the ball back and attacking on the counter.
In the ninth minute, they won the ball back in the middle of the pitch for their second chance of the match. Chukwueze brought it to the edge of the box, played it to Toko Ekambi, who after cutting inside, played it across the box for Rubén Martínez to save from Cazorla.
With nearly half of the first 45 minutes gone, Ávila was the main danger for Jagoba Arrasate’s side. The Argentine striker was finding space and causing problems for the Villarreal defence, who held firm.
The referee blew for half-time after a calm half for Villarreal, who were dealing well with Osasuna, with the home side not troubling Sergio Asenjo during the opening 45 minutes.
The second half changed everything though straight away. Defender Roncaglia fired a thunderous strike from outside of the box to equalise with just seconds gone after the break. Villarreal did not look too affected by the goal, hitting back with a chance that fell to Chukwueze. The Nigerian striker headed a Gerard cross at goal, but Rubén saved brilliantly.
Osasuna grew into the game in the second half, with great pressing and Asenjo had to be at his best to deny Ávila with 65 minutes gone.
With nearly ten minutes left, the Argentine forward made the most of a loose ball in the area to put his side ahead.
After the second Osasuna goal, the Yellows tried to equalise but were unable to and left El Sadar empty-handed after a tough match.
Lineups,:
CA Osasuna: Rubén; Nacho Vidal, Aridane, Roncaglia, Estupiñán; Roberto Torres, Oier (Moncayola, m. 82), Fran Mérida, Rubén García (Darko, m. 84); Adrián (Rober Ibáñez, m. 74), Ávila.
Villarreal CF: S. Asenjo; R. Peña, R. Albiol, Pau, Quintillà; Anguissa (Bacca, m, 81), Iborra (Trigueros, m. 85), S. Cazorla; Toko Ekambi (J. Ontiveros, m. 68), Gerard, Chukwueze.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 45: Pau. 1-1. Min. 46: Roncaglia. 2-1. Min. 79: Chimy Ávila.
Referee: Pizarro Gómez. Booked: Nacho Vidal, Oier Sanjurjo (Osasuna); Raúl Albiol, Bacca (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Game betwee CA Osasuna and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Matchday 8 of LaLiga 2019/20 at El Sadar in front of an attendance of 15,000. A minute’s silence was held for Fermín Zariquiegui.
