Villarreal lose against Levante thanks to two Morales goals (2-0)
Villarreal lost against Levante at the Ciutat de València in a tight match which was decided by a José Luis Morales brace (2-0).
There were few clear goalscoring chances in the first half. Neither goalkeeper had to make a save in the opening 45 minutes, although there was a good tempo to the match. The two best chances for the Yellows fell to Gerard Moreno and Yeremy Pino. First of all, the No.7’s powerful left-footed effort went just over the bar, while after the half-hour mark, it was the Canary Islander who got on the end of a loose ball but was unable to get a clear shot off.
The Submarine grew into the game in the second half. Yeremy could have put the away side ahead, but he was denied by a great Cárdena sabe.
There was a controversial moment not long later. Roger Martí’s heavy challenge on Juan Foyth was punished with a yellow card. It could have been a red, but VAR didn’t even look at it.
Unai Emery looked to the bench, bringing on Gio Lo Celso and Francis Coquelin. In the 65th minute, Foyth turned in the box and in a good chance for the Yellows, his powerful effort hit the post.
Levante went ahead after a long ball. Roger fought with Pau and assisted Morales, who made it 1-0 at the near post (m.68). Villarreal continued fighting until the end, but late on the home side made it 2-0 with Morales capitalising on another long ball.
Next up for Villarreal is a UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Estadio de
Lineups:
Levante UD: Cárdenas; Miramón, Cáceres (Vezo, m. 46), Rober Pier, Postigo (Mustafi, m. 75), Franquesa (Son, m. 46); Pepelu, Melero (Campaña, m. 56), Radoja; Morales, Roger (Malsa, m. 85).
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth (Aurier, m. 75), Albiol, Pau, Pedraza (Estupiñán, m. 75); Yeremy, Capoue (Coquelin, m. 62), Parejo, Trigueros (Lo Celso, m. 62); Gerard, Danjuma (Paco Alcácer, m. 75).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 68: Morales. 2-0. Min. 91: Morales.
Referee: Cordero Vega (C. Cántabro). Booked: Morales, Roger, Malsa, Pepelu (Levante); Pau, Coquelin (Villarreal).
Stadium: Ciutat de València.
