Miguel Álvarez’s side showed solidity and verticality to see off a tough opponent
Sacrifice and determination. Villarreal B got their first win of the season against a hard-working CD Alcoyano (2-0). The yellows took control of key moments of the game and came away with a deserved and long-awaited victory in the Mini Estadi.
Miguel Álvarez’s side were able to claim three points, but to get them, they had to show authority and solidity against an opponent who arrived in ‘groguet’ territory with with no intention of sitting back. From the opening moments, the visitors pressed high, looking to make the most of any loose balls from the Mini Submarine.
But, despite the odd scare, Álvarez’s young side, as the game went on, got past the high pressing line and started to take control of the game in the opposition half. Simón Moreno was denied by the post after a brilliant piece of individual play from Iván Martin in what was the best chance of the first half, a half that didn’t see too many goal-scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Villarreal started to look more dangerous, finding spaces. Alcoyano, who had been successfully stopping the Mini Submarine’s offensive potential with crucial tackles, started to get overrun due to quick counter-attacks.
In the 51st minute, the visitors had a great chance to put themselves ahead, but Joan Femenías made a great save from point-blank range. Immediately afterwards, the Yellows showed the danger of their counter-attack, with Samu finding Enric Franquesa in space, who finished well to put the home side one up.
After the goal, Alcoyano pushed forwards and tried to pen the ‘groguets’ in with balls in to the box and a number of chances from set pieces. The Yellows stayed strong, containing their opponents well and searching for quick attacks to test the opposition goalkeeper, Miguel Bañuz. In the 78th minute, Pedro put the ball into space for Samu, who after a winding run, laid it off to Rubén Mesa to score the second goal of the match.
The Yellows could have increased their lead, with both Pedro and Samu having good chances to make it 3-0. Just before the end, Mario González completed his return to the pitch after more than two months out with an injury. The Yellow Submarine were able to get an important victory, which earlier performances this season deserved.
Villarreal B’s next tie is against SD Ejea at home.
Lineups:
Villarreal B: Joan; Andrei, Roger, Carlos, Quintillá; Ramón, Iván, Samu, Enric (Pedro, m. 67); Simón (Dani Villa, m. 67), Rubén Mesa (Mario, m. 83).
CD Alcoyano: Bañuz; Barreda, Ruso (Bryan, m. 63), Pajarero, Hermosa (Navarro, m. 23); Primi, Lerma, Nieto, Hernán Lino (Hadzic, m. 74), Vicente Pérez; Óscar Díaz.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 51: Franquesa. 2-0. Min. 78: Rubén Mesa.
Referee: Alberto Catalá. Booked: Quintillá, Simón, Iván (Villarreal B). Bryan, Primi, Óscar Díaz (CD Alcoyano).
Stadium: Mini Estadi.
