The Cameroonian forward netted the winner with a superb header to seal a deserved triumph over Marbella
Villarreal B claimed a hard fought and well deserved victory away at Marbella (0-1) after a very solid performance from the Yellow Submarine’s reserve side, who kept pushing until they found the breakthrough late on through a header from Étienne Eto’o following an excellent cross from Dani Budesca.
The Yellows started the match with intent, creating the first dangerous chances. The clearest opportunity of the first half came in the 15th minute, when Hugo López finished off a good attacking move with a placed effort from the edge of the box that drifted just wide. Shortly after, Diatta tried his luck with a powerful long range strike that forced the Marbella goalkeeper into action.
As the minutes passed, the game became more balanced, although Villarreal B always looked a step ahead. After the break, the tempo dropped and chances became scarce. Marbella barely threatened the goal defended by Rubén Gómez, with one of their few efforts on target coming in the 65th minute, a long range shot comfortably gathered by the keeper at the second attempt.
The match looked destined for a draw, despite a warning sign in the 74th minute when Étienne Eto’o found the net just 30 seconds after coming on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Undeterred, Villarreal B continued to press and finally got their reward in the 81st minute. Budesca delivered a pinpoint cross to the penalty spot and Étienne Eto’o powered home a brilliant header that proved unstoppable for the home goalkeeper.
In the closing stages, Villarreal B managed their advantage with composure to secure three very valuable points. The win keeps them firmly in the promotion play-off places and lifts them up to fourth position with 48 points.
