Setién’s team put in a great performance to beat Real Madrid at the Estadio de la Cerámica
Villarreal defeated Real Madrid (2-1) at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Yellow team took three valuable points against the league champions after playing a perfect game from start to finish. Goals from Yeremy and Gerard sparked madness in the renovated stadium. The Submarine area smiling and their fans are enjoying it.
The Yellows completed a fabulous first half. Quique Setién’s team jumped onto the pitch at the Estadio de la Cerámica with the desire to take the initiative and compete against the reigning champions. With criteria and quality, the Yellows took possession and created several scoring opportunities during the first 45 minutes.
Francis Coquelin had the first of many chances of the game, with a backheel shot that hit the post. Later, in the 22nd minute of the game, Yeremy Pino came up against Courtois after receiving a fantastic pass into the space. Just three minutes later, Baena tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the box that failed to find the target.
The first half hour of the match Villarreal dominated, forcing Real Madrid to drop back into their own half. Before the break, Real Madrid showed their enormous attacking capacity with a clear chance from Vinicius, which Pepe Reina saved with a superb intervention.
Villarreal were rewarded with a goal at the start of the second half. The Submarine took advantage of an inaccurate pass from Los Blancos. Dani Parejo stole the ball and quickly passed to Gerard, who, from the edge of the box, passed to Yeremy to beat Courtois and bring La Cerámica to its feet.
In the 58th minute, Soto Grado awarded a harsh penalty in the Yellow area. A slight, unintentional touch by Foyth with his hand was awarded as a penalty by the referee. Benzema converted the spot-kick from eleven yards.
Just three minutes later, the referee pointed to the spot again, again for handball, but this time in Villarreal’s favour. Alaba palmed away a through ball from Foyth and Soto Grado again pointed to the spot. Gerard expertly beat Courtois to put the Submarine back in front.
With 2-1 on the scoreboard, Real Madrid stepped up in search of an equaliser and Villarreal were forced to defend. Thus, the Submarine changed their strategy and relied on the counter-attack. Pedraza and Danjuma came close to scoring the winning goal. The Submarine suffered, but beat the champions. Villarreal took a well-deserved win against Real Madrid.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau, Alberto M. (min. 72, Pedraza); Parejo, Coquelin (min. 88, M. Trigueros), Alex B.; Yeremy (min. 80, A. J. Morales), Chukwueze, Gerard (min. 88, Danjuma).
Real Madrid CF: Courtois; E. Militao, Alaba, Rüdiger, Mendy (min. 63, Lucas V.); Tchouameni (min. 63, Rodrygo), Modric (min. 70, Camavinga), Kroos; Valverde (min. 82, M. Asensio), Vini Jr, Benzema.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 47: Yeremy. 1-1. Min. 60: Benzema. 2-1. Min. 63: Gerard.
Referee: Soto Grado. Booked:. Pau, R. Albiol, Álex. B, Reina (Villarreal); Camavinga (Real Madrid CF).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal CF and Real Madrid CF, corresponding to Gameweek 16 of the 2022/23 LaLiga season, held at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of 21,088 spectators.
