Real Madrid’s cutting edge ended up punishing a hard-working Villarreal side
Villarreal lost at the Santiago Bernabéu (2-0). Marcelino’s side put in a decent performance against Los Blancos, who made the most of their late success to punish the Submarine. Goals from Valverde, in the first half, and Vinicius, in the second half, prevented the Groguets from getting any points ferom their visit to Madrid.
The Yellows arrived in the Spanish capital in excellent form and results. In third position, just one point behind Los Blancos, and after two consecutive victories. The only negative note was the important absences that Marcelino’s side were carrying and that deprived them of alternatives, especially in the second half.
Marcelino changed the tactical design for the game at the Santiago Bernabéu. He opted to populate the midfield more than usual. Accompanying Dani Parejo with two players with an imposing physical profile such as Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye. Up front, the quality of Baena, the agility of Pepe and the speed of Barry.
The Groguets entered the game with confidence. Maintaining defensive order and looking for space behind the Whites’ defenders. With a lot of criteria in the circulation of the ball, the Yellows enjoyed a couple of chances before the tenth minute, a shot from Baena and a dangerous approach from Nicolas Pepe.
Villarreal had the game where they wanted it. Real Madrid, however, dampened Villarreal’s good start by taking an early lead. Before the quarter-hour mark, with a long-range shot and the first chance he had… It was Fede Valverde who took the shot from the edge of the area, with such bad luck that it touched Baena and ended up going into the back of the net.
The goal was a setback for Villarreal’s interests. But it was clear to Marcelino’s men that, at the Santiago Bernabéu, the script of the match could very well go that way. That’s why the Yellows never lost their composure. Nor did they let their heads drop. In fact, the minutes that followed the home goal were very good. Soon after, Nicolas Pepe headed a great cross from Baena from the left flank against the crossbar.
With the score at 1-0 in favour of the home team, the game went to half-time. The Ywllows dominated the midfield for much of the first half, although they were always very vigilant in their defensive vigilance. This was especially true when Vinicius was on the left flank.
In the second half, although they tried, it was difficult for the Submarine to get forward. With a lot of skill and making the most of his wingspan, Barry oxygenated the Submarine by battling with Real Madrid’s central defenders and making openings. In one of these forays, the French striker connected with a good pass from Kiko Femenía and was brought down in the area by Tchouameni. It was a penalty. But it was not awarded due to a slight offside position of the Yellows’ No.15.
Before the 70th minute, Marcelino introduced a triple change to freshen up his side, who had lost some steam due to fatigue. Bailly replaced captain Albiol, while Yeremy and Ilias Akhomach came on to freshen up the attack.
Villarreal were alive and kicking in the final stretch of the game. Then, in the 73rd minute, Vinicius popped up to make it 2-0. The Brazilian winger appeared in the centre of the box to do a lot of damage with a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the area, which made life very difficult for Villarreal’s hopes at the Santiago Bernabéu.
With the Submarine in their opponents’ half and looking to close the gap, the game died at the Bernabeu. 2-0 for the home side in a duel that was won by the team that was better at finishing.
