Villarreal beat Real with two goals from Sansone and are still undefeated so far this season
Another victory. And may the run continue. Villarreal get another win in the league and go four consecutive matches without losing, getting eight points from a possible twelve. Brilliant. On top of that was the 2-1 victory against FC Zürich in the Group stage of the UEFA Europa League, so including that win the Yellows have gone five games without falling to their opponents.
The first great chance for the Yellows came in the form of a penalty. Sansone went up against Rulli and the Argentinean goalkeeper clearly brought him down in the area, referee Clos Góme pointing straight to the spot. Pato stepped up, but the number 10 pulled his shot wide of the right post.
Villarreal were all over the visitors and the 1-0 lead came in no time. Soriano played a great through ball to Sansone and the number 18 made no mistake, hitting a powerful, driven strike under Rulli (21st minute). An Italian-German connection for the Submarine.
Only four minutes later, the most magical moment of the night came. Sansone received the ball in the middle of the pitch, looked up, saw Rulli off his line and hit a perfect long and lofted strike over the goalkeeper from 50 metres out. A great goal from the star of the show.
Fran Escribá’s side were on fire. In fact, Sansone could have had a hat-rick in the 27th minute, but his shot across goal went just high and wide. From a possible 3-0 it went to 2-1. Real Sociedad’s left back, Yuri, scored a great left footed strike that made the Villarreal net bulge at the far post.
The second half started with a shock. Juanmi went up against Asenjo one on one and the Submarine goalkeeper came out on top, with a great, feline-like save to keep out the equalizer. Fantastic play from the number 1.
Real Sociedad came out livelier after the break and Villarreal were made to suffer. Pinned back to their goal, the Submarine went in search of the counterattack in earnest. Then, it was the Submarine that had the ball and seemed they were passing it around for fun to the fans’ delight, who came out in great numbers to see another win at El Madrigal. And they got it. The party was complete. Villarreal’s next rival will be Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu this Wednesday (8pm CET). May the good run continue!
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Víctor Ruiz, Jaume Costa; Castillejo (Jonathan dos Santos, m. 63), Trigueros, Bruno, Soriano (N’Diaye, m. 81); Pato (Cheryshev, m. 69) and Sansone.
Real Sociedad: Rulli; Zaldúa, Mikel, Íñigo Martínez, Yuri (M. Bergara, m. 87); Illarramendi, Zurutuza, Oyarzabal (Concha, m. 81); Carlos Vela, Juanmi (Xabi Prieto, m. 66) and Willian José.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 21: Sansone. 2-0. Min. 25: Sansone. 2-1. Min. 34: Yuri.
Referee: Clos Gómez (Aragón, Spain). Cautioned: Víctor Ruiz and Bruno for the locals; Rulli, Mikel and Zurutuza for the visitors. Sent off: Zladúa (m. 90).
Stadium: El Madrigal.
