Villarreal win the derby against Valencia at the official opening of the remodelled Estadio de la Cerámica
A fantastic reopening for the Estadio de la Cerámica (2-1). Villarreal won a thrilling derby against Valencia thanks to goals from Samu Chukwueze and Juan Foyth. In the last minute, the Submarine took three valuable points that have the Yellows dreaming of a very exciting 2023 on a sporting and institutional level.
The build-up to the game was a real party in the stands of the Estadio de la Cerámica. The fans were able to discover the remodelled Estadio de la Cerámica and enjoy the various activities organised by the Yellows in the build-up to the game.
With the pre-match build-up over, the match got underway. Villarreal CF started the derby against Valencia CF with a lot of momentum. Before the first minute was up, the Submarine missed a great opportunity to take the lead. Álex Baena, after an excellent breakaway run, arrived in the box and crossed back for Gerard Moreno to score the first goal of the afternoon. Incomprehensibly, the forward failed to find the target with his shot.
From the quarter of an hour mark onwards, Valencia had their best minutes of the game. In the 17th minute, Pepe Reina made an impressive save from an Edinson Cavani header. Just four minutes later, the Uruguayan striker scored the opener when a rebound fell to him and from the heart of the area he shot into the net. A comeback was necessary at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The visitors’ goal had a momentary dampening effect on the fantastic atmosphere in the stands. However, after a few minutes of hesitation, the Yellows woke up just before half-time. Villarreal equalised in the 45th minute of the first half. Samu Chukwueze scored a brilliant goal, taking advantage of a great assist from Gerard in a fast-paced Submarine move.
The second half promised strong emotions for both teams. Villarreal started with more desire and came close to a second goal on several occasions. Before the hour mark, Cömert was spared a red card by the referee for a hard tackle on Álex Baena from behind and with his studs up.
Quique Setién’s side had the initiative in the game, but could not find the chances against a Valencia side who defended as best they could and faded as the minutes went by.
With two minutes to go, madness broke out in the Estadio de la Cerámica, which tested its new foundations with the celebration of the second yellow goal. From a corner, Juan Foyth leapt over the crowd and powerfully slotted past Mamardashvili. Villarreal claimed an impressive derby win over Valencia.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Reina; Kiko F. (min. 33, Foyth), R. Albiol, Pau, Alberto M. (min. 78, Pedraza); Alex. B (min. 78, Trigueros), Parejo, Capoue; Yeremy (min. 72, N. Jackson), Gerard, Chukwueze (min. 72, A. J. Morales).
Valencia CF: Mamardashvili; Thierry R., Diakhaby, Cömert, Gayà; Musah (min. 57, Ilaix Moriba), Nico (min. 79, Hugo G.), A. Almeida; S. Castillejo, S. Lino (min. 74, Kluivert), Cavani (min. 79, Hugo Duro).
Goals: 0-1. Minuto 21: Cavani. 1-1. Minuto 45: Chukwueze. 2-1. Minuto 89: Foyth.
Referee: Sánchez Martínez. Booked: Foyth (Villarreal); Musah, Cömert, Ilaix Moriba, Hugo Duro, Cavani (Valencia).
Matchday information: Game between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF, corresponding to Gameweek 15 of the 2022/23 LaLiga season, at the newly remodelled Estadio de la Cerámica. Attendance: 19,947. A MInute’s silence was held for legendary former footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pelé. RIP.
