Villarreal fail to get into the game and lose to the side from Madrid at the Estadio de la Cerámica
Villarreal were beaten by Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Yellows failed to produce the performance they would have wanted to and found no reaction to Rayo’s goal on an ice-cold and unusual night at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The Submarine returned to the Estadio de la Cerámica on Monday play the last match of the first half of the LaLiga season. Quique Setién’s side were looking for their fourth consecutive win at home in the league after impressive victories over Valencia (2-1), Real Madrid (2-1) and Girona (1-0).
The Yellows took the initiative in the first half, although they struggled to find their usual speed in attacking transitions. The ball circulation was a little slower, but it didn’t prevent Villarreal from creating chances.
The first chance came before the tenth minute, with a cross-shot from Yeremy Pino, which went just wide of the post. The move came from a fantastic pass by Álex Baena.
Midway through the first half, the Submarine again came close to scoring the first goal. Yeremy sent the ball against the crossbar and the rebound fell to Gerard Moreno, who shot quickly but was saved by Dimitrievski.
Villarreal were back on the attack on the half-hour mark. Baena made a fantastic slalom past Ciss before unleashing a powerful strike that was blocked by the keeper. The ball fell at the feet of Étienne Capoue, who put together a shot that that ended up going out of play for a corner.
In the 70th minute, Rayo Vallecano took the lead with their first shot on target of the match. Camello took advantage of a ball into space to beat Jorgensen, who did not gauge coming off his line well. After the goal, the Yellows were unable to find a reaction.
In stoppage time, Gerard had the chance to equalise with his left foot. The Catalan striker was unable to get on the end of a good header from Francis Coquelin after the Frenchman’s breakaway run.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Jorgensen; Foyth (min. 81, Kiko F.), R. Albiol, J. Cuenca, Alberto M. (min. 85, J. Mojica); Parejo, Capoue (min. 81, Coquelin), Álex B.; Chukwueze, Yeremy (min. 81, A. J. Morales), Gerard.
Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski; Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, Fran García; Isi (min. 93, Mario H.), Trejo (min. 77, Nteka), Pathé Ciss (min. 63, Unai López), Santi C.V., Andrés (min. 63, Chavarría); Camello (min. 77, Falcao).
Goal: 0-1. Min. 70: Camello.
Referee: Pulido Santana.. Booked Foyth, Álex B. (Villarreal); Pathé Ciss, Andrés, Unai López (Rayo Vallecano).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal CF and Rayo Vallecano, corresponding to Gameweek 19 of the 2022/23 LaLiga season, at the Estadio de la Cerámica wit han attendance of 14,378. A minute’s silence was held for former Yellows’ player Gerard Escoda.
