Villarreal overcome Cádiz with goals from Gerard and Bacca in a game that went to the wire
Villarreal overcame Cádiz at the Estadio de la Cerámica and now have four consecutive wins in all competitions, two in LaLiga and two in the UEFA Europa League. The goals from the hard-worked Yellows’ win came from Gerard Moreno (from the penalty spot) and Carlos Bacca; while Álex Fernández’s gave hope to the away side in the closing stages (2-1).
Unai Emery made two changes from the starting XI that defeated Dynamo Kyiv in the last game, in the UEFA Europa League. Pervis Estupiñán came in for Alfonso Pedraza at left-back, and Mario Gaspar replaced the suspended Étienne Capoue. Juan Foyth moved from right-back to play in midfield in front of the back four.
The game started quickly. Only four minutes had gone when Dani Parejo fired off a shot at goal that hit Jens Jonsson’s arm in the box. The referee did not give a penalty, but received advice to do so from VAR. After reviewing it, César Soto Grado pointed to the spot. It was similar to the penalty given against Villarreal during their match against Sevilla at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Gerard stepped up and scored with a powerful effort (1-0, m.4).
Cádiz had to step up to try and get the equaliser. They had the ball in the back of the net in the first half through Jonsson, but the goal was chalked off as Rubén Sobrino was offside in the build-up.
Villarreal were looking to control the game through possession of the ball. Manu Trigueros could have increased the Yellows’ lead with a powerful left-footed effort that was blocked by a defender (m.28), while Bacca also came close to scoring after a low Samu Chukwueze cross (m.41).
The worst news of the first half for the home side was the yellow card shown to Foyth. The versatile Argentinean will now miss the next league match against Granada at Los Cármenes through suspension (Saturday 3rd April).
The second half was also lively. Villarreal went 2-0 ahead on the scoreboard in the 67th minute. Foyth played a magnificent long ball, Gerard masterly brought it down and put it on a plate for Bacca, who sent the ball into the back of the net. A great goal.
The last minutes were not for the faint of heart. Gerard had to go off after picking up an injury and Cádiz threw everything at it as they tried to get an equaliser that failed to materialise. Get in!
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Mario Gaspar, Albiol, Funes, Estupiñán; Chukwueze (Yeremy, m. 80), Foyth, Parejo, Trigueros (Moi Gómez, m. 73); Gerard (Pedraza, m. 89), Bacca (Paco Alcácer, m. 73).
Cádiz CF: Ledesma; Iza, Fali, Juan Cala, Espino (Jairo, m. 74); Salvi (Alejo, m. 74), Jonsson (Perea, m. 62), José Mari (Malbasic, m. 85), Álex; Sobrino (Pombo, m. 85), Negredo.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 4: Gerard (penalty). 2-0. Min. 67: Bacca. 2-1. Min. 69: Álex.
Referee: Soto Grado. Booked: Foyth, Trigueros, Albiol (Villarreal CF); Jonsson, Juan Cala, Fali (Cádiz CF).
Matchday information: Game corresponding to Matchday 28 of LaLiga at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Cádiz’s players wore a black armband in memory of their former president José Antonio Gutiérrez Trueba.
