Narrow defeat for Villarreal B in derby

The Yellows Reserves wasted a lot of chances against Valencia Mestalla (0-1)

Paco López’s Villarreal B side could not beat Valencia Mestalla despite having control of the game and creating countless chances on goal. They lacked power and accuracy up top. The team from Valencia took advantage of their few chances to make it 0-1 on the scoreboard which would be the deicder in the end.   

The match started off quite even, both side’s taking turns in possession but neither in the opposition’s half. Both teams looking almost too scared to take a step forward. Larrea was pulling the strings in the midfield for Villarreal who started to bear down on Antonio’s goal.

In the 22^nd minute, Rafa Mir picked up the ball on the right wing and set up Nacho Gil with a powerful, driven cross to the far post. After Valencia’s goal (0-1), Paco López’s side started to dominate and get closer to the opposition’s goal, above all down the left wing.

The second half was the same story as the end of the first half. In the 58^th minute, the linesman ruled Carlos Martínez’s goal just offside after a brilliant ball by Ramiro. The rest of the match was in the Yellows hands. The Mini Submarine had chance after chance, but they could not find the back of the Valencia net. The centre midfielders played balls over the Valencia centre backs time and time again, but Mario and Cantalapiedra’s efforts were kept out by Mestalla goalkeeper Antonio.

In the final minutes of the match, Javi Jiménez brought down Mario when he was facing up to Antonio and was sent off by referee Díaz Escudero. The free kick was hit straight at the wall and the Yellows hopes were dispelled.  

Line-ups:

Villarreal B: Cantero; Edgar Ié (Felipe, m. 76), Mauro, Pau, Peris; Raba (Lazo, m. 54), Ramiro, Larrea, Cantalapiedra; Carlos Martínez and Franco Acosta (Mario, m. 69).

Valencia Mestalla: Antonio; Nacho Vidal, Javi Jiménez, Ayala, Lato (Marc, m. 88); Aridai, Gregorio, Quim Araujo, Eugeni (Villalba, m. 72); Sito (Rafa Mir, m. 10) and Nacho Gil.

Goal: 0-1. Min. 22: Nacho Gil. 

Referee: Jorge Díaz Escudero. Cautioned: Edgar Ié, Cantalapiedra, Carlos Martínez, Ramiro and Larrea for Villarreal B; Ayala, Gregorio, Nacho Gil, Villalba and Antonio for Valencia Mestalla. Sent off: Javi Jiménez for the visitors (m. 90).