The Villarreal coach considers the 2-2 draw against Real Betis a fair result in a match with several twists

Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media following the Yellow Submarine’s 2-2 draw against Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

“The match had its ups and downs. Perhaps more than I would have liked. Our start wasn’t what we wanted defensively. Betis began the game better and could have scored. Then, from around the half-hour mark, we played better and, in addition to the goal, created three clear chances. In the second half, they started stronger, but we made it 2-0 with a great move. Then we conceded the 2-1 very quickly, recovered, and in stoppage time a top-class player scored the 2-2,” the Asturian coach summarised.

Despite the draw and how it unfolded, Marcelino highlighted his team’s performance: “I’m pleased with the way the team played and with how we faced Betis, who are a great side.”

The Villarreal coach also acknowledged that the team wasn’t at its best defensively: “It hurts to have conceded two goals. We weren’t solid or particularly efficient. They created more danger than we would have liked.”

For Marcelino, the 2-2 outcome was fair given what happened at La Cerámica: “Betis are always in the game. It hurts because we were 2-0 up, but it’s not an unjust result. They had their chances, and perhaps the draw is the fairest outcome.”

Finally, Marcelino expressed his happiness at becoming Villarreal CF’s record appearance-making coach with 260 matches: “I’m very satisfied because being here for so long shows we’ve done things well. Pellegrini congratulated me, as I congratulated him for recently achieving the same with Betis. He’s a great coach, and I congratulate him on his successful career.”