AS Roma put an end to the Yellows’ UEFA Europa League
Villarreal advanced through the UEFA Europa League Group Stage as runners-up in Group L. It wasn’t an easy qualification. In fact, the Yellows secured their place in the next round in their final match against Steaua Bucharest at El Madrigal (2-1).
Fran Escribá’s team started the competition with a narrow 2-1 victory over FC Zürich, but things began to go awry on Matchday 2 with a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest in Romania, another 2-2 draw against Osmanlispor in Turkey, an unexpected 1-2 home defeat to the Ottomans, and another 1-1 draw in Switzerland against FC Zürich.
Despite these setbacks, the Submarine recovered and secured their place with the aforementioned 2-1 victory against Steaua Bucharest in front of their home fans, including a stunning chip goal from Manu Trigueros.
Finishing second in their group complicated the draw for the round of 32 for the Yellows. Ultimately, the U-boat’s opponent was AS Roma, a powerful team that was fighting for the Serie A title. The first leg, played at the Estadio de la Cerámica, was decisive (0-4). Villarreal traveled to Rome looking for a heroic performance, but the comeback never came. However, the Yellows took a prestigious victory from the Roma Olympic Stadium thanks to a solitary goal from Colombian Santos Borré (0-1).
