The Yellows, despite competing well, fell in the last minute to Cornellà
It was not meant to be. Villarreal B came away with no points in their league opener against UE Cornellà (1-0) in a clash where the Yellows, despite their high competitiveness and work rate, were defeated with a goal by Xavi Puerto in the last minute of regular time. Paco López’s side created some good chances and dominated for the best part of the game, but the greens’ goal from a 50/50 ball jeopardized the Reserve team’s effort.
Although the locals came out strong in the first few minutes, the B team knew how to withstand Cornellà’s onslaught and created a clear chance for Carlos Martínez after a pass from Larrea which the home side kept out at the last second to avoid the 0-1. As the minutes passed the game was fought in the midfield and the Yellows won the battle, although they could not get close to the Barcelona side’s goal.
The script stayed the same in the second half, Villarreal continued to play out the back and Cornellà looked to steal and attack dangerously on the counter. With just a few seconds remaining from a wide ball, Xavi Puerto took advantage of a 50/50 ball in the box to take the three points for the locals and put a painful and undeserved 0-1 on the score board. The Yellows then rushed forward out of desperation, but there was not enough time to come back.
Line-ups:
- UE Cornellà: Marcos Pérez; Pere Martínez, Lucas Gafarot, Borja López, Lulu Rodríguez, David García (Sergio Gómez, 57’), Pep Caballé, Uche Derima, Enric Gallego (Jaume Batista, 87’), Abraham and Antonio Pelegrín (Xavi Puerto, 71’).
- Villarreal CF B: Ander Cantero; Felipe Alfonso (Raba, 73’), Marcos Mauro, Edgar Ié, Peris; Cantalapiedra, Larrea, Ramiro Guerra (Chuca, 80’), Pau Francisco; Carlos Martínez (Darío Poveda, 84’) and Carlos López.
- Goal: 1-0, min. 89: Xavi Puerto.
- Referee: Santiago Barón Aceitón. Cautioned: Peris, Marcos Mauro and Cantalapiedra for Villarreal B, and Enric Gallego, David García and Uche for Cornellà.
