The Yellows lose by the smallest of margins at El Sadar against a hardworking Osasuna despite giving their all until the final whistle
Villarreal lost at El Sadar (1-0) against Osasuna, who too the victory thanks to a Chimy Ávila goal in a tight game which was decided by the smallest of margins. The Submarine took possession and control of the game from the first minute. In the opening stages, Villarreal created a lot of danger down the left, with Alberto Moreno, who almost won a penalty when Sergio Herrera came out.
Pervis Estupiñán saw his effort ruled out after he was just offside, although the best chance fell to Yeremy, whose acrobatic effort tried to increase his goalscoring run in LaLiga, but the home goalkeeper made a great save at full stretch to deny the winger from scoring a great goal.
In the closing stages of the first half, there was a penalty shout, also on Alberto Morneo, who was blocked off the ball, but the referee did not believe there was sufficient contact to point to the scot. Arnaut Danjuma had the last chance of the opening 45 minutes, with a cross-cum-shot that was saved by Herrera.
In the second half, there was bad news as Alberto Moreno went off injured, with tests in the coming days to confirm the seriousness of the injury. After the break in play due to the injury, the match burst into life, and in the end-to-end madness, Osasuna opened the scoring thanks to a Chimy Ávila header which caught Gero Rulli off balance.
Villarreal continued to push forward, but they were unable to get any clear chances thanks to Osasuna’s deep defensive line. Unai Emery looked to the bench, making a triple substitution and bringing on Manu Trigueros, Samu Chukwueze and Boulaye Dia as he tried to launch a comeback. The Senegalese striker had the best opportunity late on, but his header was off target. Francis Coquelin also came on after three-and-a-half months injured, replacing Dani Parejo.
Villarreal were unable to break down Osasuna in defence, despite trying everything. The Yellows were previously unbeaten in six games before this defeat, which ends the good run.
Lineups:
CA Osasuna: S. Herrera; Nacho Vidal, David García, Juan Cruz, M. Sánchez; Javi Martínez, Moncayola, Torró, Rubén García (m. 89, Oier); Kike G., Chimy Ávila (m. 81, Aridane).
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Serge Aurier (m. 77, M. Trigueros), R. Albiol, Pau, Estupiñán; Capoue, Parejo (m. 85, Coquelin), Alberto M. (m. 58, Moi Gómez); Yeremy (m. 77, Dia), Lo Celso (m. 77, Chukwueze), Danjuma.
Refree: Munuera Montero. Booked: Chimy Ávila (Osasuna)
Matchday information: Match between CA Osasuna and Villarreal, corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 27, at El Sadar. Attendance: 18,659.
