Villarreal lose to the Basque side after a Manu Sánchez goal
Villarreal lost to Alavés after a run of six matches unbeaten. Marcelino’s side tried everything they could, dominated the game and besieged their opponents after the dismissals of Sivera (m.58) and Antonio Blanco (m.90+4). Despite this, the Yellows were unable to get the points on their visit to Mendizorroza thanks to a Manu Sánchez goal (1-0).
The Submarine were back in action after the postponement of their last match against Espanyol at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Yellows were looking for three points in their fight to reach the European places at the end of the season.
After an intense opening period for both teams, it was 1-0. Manu Sanchez finished off a cross from the right flank at the far post and despite an initial save from Diego Conde, the ball ended up going into the goal (m.11).
The game was getting complicated and the Submarine pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Nicolas Pepe had a chance in the 22nd minute. The Yellows No.19 received the ball from Ayoze and unleashed a left-footed shot that was saved with difficulty by Sivera.
Shortly after, the same players took centre stage again. This time it was Pepe who broke down the right and crossed low for Ayoze to shoot from close range, but once again the Alavés goalkeeper denied him (m.36). Just a few seconds later, Baena played a brilliant pass over the top for Yeremy, who shot wide when he was alone in front of Sivera. It was the Yellows’ best minutes of the first half.
In the second half, there was a play that caused Alavés to go a man down. Ayoze received an inside pass from Yeremy and his effort was blocked by Sivera’s hand outside the area. The home goalkeeper took a heavy knock from Ayoze and had to be treated for several minutes with fears of serious injury. Sivera left the field, but not before being shown a straight red card. Ortiz Arias reviewed the action and sent off the Alavés goalkeeper (m. 57).
With one more player, Villarreal intensified their dominance. In fact, Pape Gueye could have scored soon after with a left-footed shot that went just wide of the post. Alavés defended with military order and the Submarine were patient as they searched for a gap in the crowded backline.
In the 15 minutes of stoppage time, Alavés were reduced to nine men after Antonio Blanco was red carded. In the eighth minute of added time, Ayoze could have equalised with a header that went into the side netting. Comesaña also had a chance after a pass from Pepe, but the ball also went just wide of the woodwork. Unbelievable.
Villarreal’s next game will be against Real Madrid at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Saturday, 6:30pm CET).
