Villarreal draw against Real Sociedad, in a match they led for 90 minutes
Villarreal drew against Real Sociedad at the Estadio de la Cerámica in a match where the Yellows went ahead early on through a great Dani Parejo goal (2’), and held on until added time, when Alexander Isak equalised (90’+2’). The Submarine were seconds from victory.
Unai Emery had to make a few changes with so many players missing. The Basque head coach lined up with a 4-3-3 with Étienne Capoue, Parejo and Francis Coquelin in midfield. The front three was made up of Manu Trigueros on the right, Moi Gómez on the left and Paco Alcácer leading the line.
Only two minutes were on the clock when Parejo scored a great goal. The Villarreal No.5 got on the end of a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired off a tremendous right-footed effort which went just inside the angle of post and bar. A howitzer of a goal (1-0).
The side from San Sebastián reacted, and looked for the equaliser. Isak nearly got it, but his shot found the woodwork.
The Submarine were fighting in defence, with Real Sociedad pushing forward. The Yellows were trying to use counter-attacks to create danger.
With half an hour on the clock, Villarreal had a great chance. Alfonso Pedraza got free down the left flank, played a low cross into the area and Alcácer attempted a back-heeled shot. The ball went just wide of the post. There were centimetres in it.
The match continued the pattern of the first half in the second. Villarreal were solid at the back, while looking dangerous on the counter to try and increase their lead. The away side had more of the ball, but were struggling to create any real chances on Sergio Asenjo’s goal. The Yellows resisted until the 92nd minute. Isak got on the end of a loose ball to equalise. Frustrating.
Next up for Villarreal is a trip to the Ciutat de València to face Levante in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals (Wednesday 7pm CET).
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Asenjo; Peña, Albiol, Pau, Pedraza; Coquelin (Estupiñán, m. 75), Capoue, Parejo; Trigueros, Paco Alcácer (Fer Niño, m. 80) Moi Gómez.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Zaldua (Januzaj, m 77), Aritz, Le Normand (Gorosabel, m. 77), Monreal; Guevara (Guridi, m. 65), Illarramendi (Zubimendi, m. 46), Merino, Oyarzabal; Portu (Carlos Fernández, m. 77), Isak.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 2: Parejo. 1-1. Min. 90+2: Isak.
Referee: Díaz de Mera. Booked: Capoue (Villarreal); Illarramendi, Guevara, Le Normand (Real Sociedad).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 21 at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
