Villarreal B remain at the top of the table despite defeat at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte against second-placed Albacete Balompié
Villarreal B were beaten 1-0 at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte by Albacete Balompié, who are in second place in Group 2 of the Primera RFEF. Both sides had chances to score in the first half and a draw would have been a perfect reflection of what happened on the pitch, but a goal from a penalty after a quarter of an hour swung the game in the home side’s favour.
The Mini Submarine came storming out of the blocks and had two good chances in the first five minutes. Diego Collado’s shot went wide and Arana tried from range with Albacete keeper Bernabé well positioned. Despite the good work, Albacete took an early lead. A handball by Alberto Del Moral inside the area led to a penalty in favour of the La Mancha side, which Kike Márquez converted, deceiving Jorgensen. However, the Mini Submarine were not discouraged and Arana kept trying to level the match with determination. His shot across goal from the edge of the box went just wide of the post. This was the result as the half-time whistle blew.
Miguel Álvarez’s men continued to try in the second half, with the visitors continuing to get into the box, but there were no clear chances for either side. Albacete were able to hold on to their lead despite the changes made by the coach, who brought on attacking players such as Nikita Iosifov, Álex Forés and Iker Goujón. The worst news of the match, apart from the result, was the injury to Ramón Bueno in the first half, which has not yet been clearly determined.
So, Villarreal B continue to lead the way, but the table is getting more competitive and Albacete are just one point behind the Yellows.
Lineups:
Albacete Balompié: Bernabé; Johannesson, Djetei, E. Beyomo, Emmanuel; Riki, Alberto; Rubén M., M. Fuster (95′, Jiménez), Sergi (73′, Montes Arce); and Kike M. (75′, Dani González).
Villarreal B: Jorgensen; M. A. Leal (60′, Lanchi), Dela, Martín, Tasende; S. Lozano , A. Del Moral (83′, Á. Forés), Ramón Bueno (38′, Pacheco), D. Collado (60′, Iosifov); N. Jackson and Arana (83′, Iker Goujón).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 17: Kike M..
Referee: Sergio Pérez Muley (Madrid Committee). Booked: Riki, Kike M. and Emmanuel and for visitors A. Del Moral, Dela, S. Lozano and Á. Forés. N. Jackson was sent off.
Match information: Match between Albacete Balompié and Villarreal B, matchday 25 of the Primera RFEF, held at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte in front of 6,693 spectators.
