The Villarreal CF closes its participation in the tournament after losing to Athletic (0-1)
Villarreal says goodbye to the Copa del Rey after losing against Athletic Club in El Madrigal 0-1 with a goal scored by Williams. The Submarine needed overcome the first leg’s 3-2 at San Mames, but was unsuccessful.
With nine changes to the starting lineup from the team that beat Sporting Gijon at El Madrigal, the Yellows could not overcome the tough defense of the ‘Lions’. The Basque side pressed high up from the opening whistle. The Submarine could find no way to develop its game and that caused constant inaccuracies when playing the ball.
Though the Yellows were timidly approaching Herrerín’s goal with shots by Nahuel and Castillejo, it was finally Athletic who went ahead on the scoreboard after 20 minutes of the match. Laporte leaked a pass to Williams and the striker beat Barbosa with a brilliant definition.
Villarreal needed two goals to stay alive in the tournament. In this spirit they came out of the locker room after the break. Despite the momentum, clear chances did not come. The clearest arrived at the 83rd minute by Pina. The ‘4’shot from the front of the box with the ball under control, but his attempt went out near the post.
Despite this elimination, Villarreal is still alive in the league, ranked fourth in the table, and the UEFA Europa League, facing SSC Napoli in the upcoming round of the knockout phase.
MATCH FACTS:
Villarreal CF: Barbosa; Rukavina, Musacchio, Bailly, Adrián Marín; Nahuel (Denis Suárez, m. 78), Rodri (Jonathan, m. 67), Pina, Samu Castillejo; Samu García (Soldado, m. 56) and Leo Baptistao.
Athletic Club: Herrerín; De Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Beñat; Williams (Bóveda, m. 86), Eraso (San José, m. 80), Susaeta (Lekue, m. 68); and Aduriz.
Goal: 0-1. Min. 20: Williams.
Referee: Velasco Carballo. Yellow cards for locals Bailly (m. 62), Rukavina (m. 81) and Adrián Marín (m. 86); and for visitors Etxeita (m. 49), Aduriz (m. 58) and Williams (m. 70).
Stadium: El Madrigal.
