Villarreal fell short against Girona after an unfortunate own goal
Villarreal lost to Girona at Montilivi in a match that went the way of the Catalan side thanks to an own goal by Pau Navarro right at the end of the first half (1-0).
Marcelino’s side returned to action after 17 days without an official match, following their victory over Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Cerámica on 20th March. The head coach named the same starting XI that defeated the Basque side (3-1).
The Submarine looked solid in defence from the outset, aiming to break quickly in attack. The first big chance of the match fell to Mikautadze. The Yellow No.9 struck goal, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Girona, meanwhile, only threatened with a high header from Vitor Reis, as Villarreal’s defence remained resolute. In fact, the opener did not even come from a shot. Arnau delivered a cross from the right flank and Pau Navarro, attempting to clear, turned the ball into his own net. A moment of real misfortune just after the 45th-minute mark.
After the break, Villarreal pushed for an equaliser. Just three minutes into the second half, Mikautadze broke down the left and crossed to the far post for Gerard, whose effort was denied by a miraculous intervention from Vitor Reis.
The Yellow Submarine kept pushing until the end, but without reward. Villarreal’s next match will also be away from home, as they face Athletic Club at San Mamés this Sunday 12th April (9pm CET).
