Villarreal lose to Newcastle in their second match at St. James’ Park (4-0)
Villarreal were unable to beat hosts Newcastle United FC in their second match of the Sela Cup, the tournament organised by the Magpies and in which the Yellows, Newcastle, OGC Nice and Fiorentina (who Quique Setién’s side have not played) faced each other.
The Black and Whites, very solid in defence, made their attacking forcefulness count to win the tournament thanks to a double victory over Fiorentina (2-0) and Villarreal (4)-0).
The home side, strong at the back, came out all guns blazing and, after just five minutes, took the lead with a great goal from Jacob Murphy, who shot past Reina with a fierce drive from the edge of the box. Villarreal tried to react, but Necastle held firm at the back.
The biggest chances came through Gerard Moreno, who tried to find Baena and Sorloth with trickling passes. The Catalan almost hit the target on a couple of occasions, but the Magpies’ defence, quick on the ball, ended up stopping every Villarreal attack.
In the second half, the script changed to the point that the Submarine, in the first ten minutes, had three clear chances in the boots of Sorloth, Carlo and Mandi that went wide by millimetres.
However, it was not Villarreal’s day. In the 61st minute, after a quick breakaway, Newcastle made it 2-0 with a low cross from Harvey Barnes. A lead that was extended as the minutes went by with another goal from Barnes and another from Joelinton.
Lineups:
Newcastle United FC: Pope; Murphy, Lascelles (Savage, min. 84), Dummett, Burn; Longstaff, (Turner–Cooke, min. 76) Guimaraes, Joelinton; Ritchie, Barnes (Parkinson, min. 83) y Wilson (Diallo, min.84).
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth (Lanchi, min. 59), Abraham, Mandi, A. Alti; Álex B. (Dani Requena, min. 46), Parejo, R. Terrats (M. Trigueros, min. 59); Carlo (Rodri Alonso, min.59), Gerard, Sorloth.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 5: Murphy. 2-0. Min. 61: Barnes. 3-0. Min. 75: Joelinton. 4-0. Min. 78: Barnes.
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Booked: Joelinton, Longstaff, Ritchie, Dummett (Newcastle); R. Terrats, Álex Baena, Lanchi (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Second match for Villarreal of the Sela Cup at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United’s stadium. The Submarine, who drew their first match 1-1 against OGC Nice on Saturday, faced Newcastle, who with their win, were proclaimed tournament champions.
