Villarreal equalise against Betis with a goal from Yeremy two days after their 100th birthday
Villarreal drew against Real Betis in a very even match in which the Yellows deserved more. The away side took the lead with a goal from Borja Iglesias and in the second half the Submarine equalised thanks to a brilliant cross from Ramón Terrats which Yeremy converted (1-1).
It was a special match. Just two days ago, Villarreal CF had celebrated its 100th birthday with a spectacular party at the Estadio de la Cerámica, the players were wearing a commemorative shirt… Everything was in place to enjoy victory, however the fans had to settle for a draw.
The first half was very evenly matched with no clear goalscoring chances until the 0-1 arrived after half an hour. Rodri shot, Reina failed to keep hold of the ball and the rebound was picked up by Borja Iglesias to open the scoring. It was a one-off action that put Betis in the lead.
The Submarine came out for the equaliser in the second half. Yeremy had a chance with a header in a tight position that was then saved by Rui Silva (m.48). Just seconds later it was Gerard who came close to scoring with a left-footed shot that went narrowly over after a deflection from the defender.
Villarreal’s persistence was rewarded with a goal from Yeremy after a pass from Terrats. The Yellows No.21 finished off a brilliant assist from the No.39 and had to wait a few nervy seconds before it went up on the scoreboard due to a VAR review. There was no offside and the packed Estadio de la Cerámica crowd jumped to their feet (1-1, m.57)
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The Submarines kept trying until the end. Quique Setién looked to the bench in an attempt to freshen up the Yellows’ attack without losing balance in the game. Villarreal continued to have chances. In fact, they went on to make it 2-1 through Morales, but the referee Ortiz Arias disallowed the goal for offside.
Villarreal’s next game will be this Thursday against Anderlecht in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 at the Estadio de la Cerámica (9pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza (Alberto M., m. 71); R. Terrats (Lo Celso, m. 88), Parejo, M. Trigueros (Baena, m. 59); Chukwueze, Gerard (N. Jackson, m. 88), Yeremy (Morales, m. 71).
Real Betis Balompié: Rui Silva; Aitor Ruibal (Sabaly, m.81), Pezzella, Víctor Ruiz, Miranda; Guido Rodríguez (Paul, m.46), A. Guardado; Canales (Luiz Henrique, m.58), Ayoze (Juanmi, m.70), Rodri; Borja Iglesias (Willian J., m.81).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 37: Borja Iglesias. 1-1. Min. 57: Yeremy.
Referee: Ortiz Arias. Booked: Gerard, Baena, Pau (Villarreal); Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to Gameweek 25 of the LaLiga Santander season at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The honorary kick-off was taken by the Calduch sisters, Gloria and Delfina, daughters of the founding president of Villarreal CF, José Calduch Almela.
