Villarreal claim another victory in an imperial performance as the Canary Islander shines with two stunning goals
Villarreal secured a spectacular win on their visit to Real Sociedad at Anoeta (2–3) in an impressive display from Marcelino’s side. The Yellows went 0–2 up and although two brilliant strikes from the Basque club levelled the match, Moleiro, with a superb performance and two goals, finally tipped the balance in favour of the Submarine in the last play of the game.
With the victory, the Vila-real side consolidate their position in the UEFA Champions League spots, sitting second and awaiting the result of Real Madrid.
It was Real Sociedad who enjoyed the first chances against a well-organised Villarreal, ready to press and break dangerously on the counter. The Basque side looked to trouble Luiz Júnior through Kubo and Sadiq but they did not create clear opportunities to score.
Marcelino’s side however, after warning they meant business with a Comesaña volley in the 20th minute, took the lead half an hour into the game. The goal was born from Buchanan’s feet as he found Pedraza in behind and the player from Córdoba, alert, laid the ball off for Ayoze who slid in to finish and put the Yellows ahead.
After the opener, the hosts increased the tempo and piled players into the Villarreal penalty area. Luiz Júnior was forced into action to deny a powerful effort from Aritz but the Submarine held firm.
The second half was full of drama. It almost began with a wonder strike from Moleiro who capped off a great counter attack from the Submarine with a powerful shot from outside the box. Real Sociedad responded four minutes later when Soler equalised with a fine turn and shot from the edge of the area.
After the home goal, the match went completely wild. End to end, without hesitation and at a frantic pace, the Yellows and the Basques battled for every blade of grass.
The insistence of the home side finally paid off five minutes from time when Barrene fired in a superb direct free kick that was practically unstoppable. The 2–2 would have been a hammer blow for most teams but the Yellows have made a religion of believing in themselves.
In the 95th minute and after an incredible last-ditch block from the hosts to deny a brilliant counter from Tani Oluwaseyi, Moleiro struck for 2–3 with a composed finish following a scramble in the box after a corner. A breathtaking finale.
