Villarreal draws against Celta (0-0) and Areola beats the historic clean sheet record for the Submarine
A good point and a good game. Villarreal extended their unbeaten run – which now stands at 14 games – on their visit to Balaídos and against a team that is always tough to play against in Celta de Vigo. The game ended in a goalless draw (0-0) and the result means the Yellows just keep picking up points. The Submarine was competitive, professional and really wore themselves out to get the point against the sixth placed side.
In addition, the goalless draw saw French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola beat the Villarreal clean sheet record in LaLiga, after going 590 minutes without conceding a goal, a record that was previously held by Diego López since the 2007/08 season with 540 minutes.
With two teams that are both competitive and love to play the ball around, the Celta-Villarreal clash was destined to be an emotional roller-coaster. In the 13thminute Bakambu had a good chance, which Sergio saved and caught as it bounced back up. The Sky Blues responded with a chance of their own two minutes later with a shot from Guidetti which was met with an Areola save.
Celta moved the ball well and exploited the wings to get to the Yellows area, but Villarreal defended solidly. After a few attempts from the locals, Bakambu had another clear chance in the 39th minute, Nahuel stole the ball from the Celta defence and put Bakambu through one on one, but he couldn’t beat Sergio.
The score line didn’t budge in the second half. Celta attacked but Villarreal held firm. In the 60th minute, Areola had to intervene once again after a great shot from Wass.
In the last half an hour, even though there was potential danger all over the pitch, the tempo fell. Both teams looked tired and both found it difficult to get forward and create chances. Nevertheless, the Sky Blues did dominate the match. But, Villarreal held firm and got themselves a very important point in the Balaídos stadium.
Line-ups:
RC Celta de Vigo: Sergio, Hugo Mallo, Cabral, Sergi Gómez, Jonny; Wass, Marcelo Díaz, Aspas, Nolito (Radoja, 87’); Orellana and Guidetti (Bongonda, 69’).
Villarreal CF: Areola; Mario, Bailly, Víctor Ruiz, Rukavina; Pina, Trigueros (Bruno, 74’), Denis Suárez, Nahuel (Adrián López, 64’); Baptistao (Castillejo, 63’) and Bakambu.
Referee: Santiago Jaime Latre (Aragón, Spain). Cautioned: Marcelo Díaz (50’) and Cabral (72’) for Celta de Vigo and Nahuel (53’), Denis Suárez (71’), Bailly (72’), Mario (76’) and Rukavina (85’) for Villarreal.
