Villarreal has given us some great goals, impressive wins and very special tributes during the season
Villarreal CF have ended the 2022/23 season by finishing in fifth place in LaLiga and certifying their participation in next season’s UEFA Europa League. An unforgettable year in which, in addition, the Yellows unveiled the impressive makeover of the Estadio de la Cerámica and celebrated the club’s centenary. Some of the highlights of the campaign that has just come to an end are as follows:
1. Baena announces himself to the world…
Álex Baena put on a real show on the first day of LaLiga. The midfielder came on in the second half and led the Submarine to a big win over Real Valladolid, scoring a brace at the Estadio José Zorrilla.
2. Win at the Metropolitano to go top
Villarreal started the season with a bang. The Yellows, after winning in Valladolid, also defeated Atlético de Madrid at their own stadium. A goal from Yeremy and another from Gerard gave the Yellows their second win of the season, which also took them to the top of the first division.
3. Trigueros becomes even more of a legend
Manu Trigueros became the most capped player in Villarreal’s history, surpassing Bruno Soriano. The midfielder received a commemorative shirt before the match against Sevilla. He finished the season with 455 appearances.
4. Morales joins the ‘hat-trick’ club
Morales shone in the 5-0 win over Austria Vienna at the Ciutat de València. The striker scored three goals and showed the whole of Europe his goalscoring prowess. In addition, the striker joined the select list of players who have scored a hat-trick as a Villarreal player.
5. Everlasting Llaneza
After the death of José Manuel Llaneza, Álex Baena dedicated his goal against UD Almería to the club’s vice-president with a t-shirt that read: “Thank you for everything Llaneza”. The referee sent him off for a double yellow card.
6. Quique Setién takes over at the Submarine
Quique Setién took over from Unai Emery on the Villarreal CF bench. The head coach was presented on Wednesday 26th October and made his debut in the UEFA Conference League group stage match against Hapoel Beer Sheva (2-2).
7. Tribute to the World Cup champions
Argentina lifted the World Cup and two players from the Yellows played in that team: Gero Rulli and Juan Foyth. On their return to Spain after the World Cup, in the first match at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal prepared a tribute to them for their achievement.
8. Back home for Christmas and a derby victory
After an exodus of three months playing home games at the Ciutat de València, Villarreal returned to the Estadio de la Cerámica on 31st December to inaugurate the remodelling and also win an important regional derby against Valencia CF (2-1).
9. The Submarine and La Cerámica beat Real Madrid
Villarreal beat Real Madrid (2-1) in their second match at La Cerámica. With this prestigious win, the Yellows confirmed a great start to 2023. Yeremy and Gerard were the scorers in the first of the three matches of the season against Real Madrid.
10. Villarreal host Betis in the centenary match
Villarreal celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Yellows in the match against Real Betis (1-1), which was played on 11th March, the day after the club’s anniversary. The Submarine played this match wearing the commemorative centenary shirt.
11. Samu Chukwueze shines at the Santiago Bernabéu (2-3)
A wonderful afternoon at the Bernabéu. Villarreal beat Real Madrid (2-3) in a duel ruled by madness. The home side took the lead, but the Submarine, led by Chukwueze, who scored a brace, turned the result around and took the win.
12. Villarreal confirm their place in Europe
Villarreal sealed their European participation for next season after a last-minute win in Girona (1-2). The Groguets beat the Catalan side with a stoppage time goal from Gerard Moreno to secure their 19th season in Europe.
13. Reina reaches 1,000 matches as a professional
Pepe Reina completed 1,000 games as a professional. He reached this impressive milestone in the LaLiga game against Cádiz. The goalkeeper put in a superb display and the Submarine celebrated the milestone with a win in front of his home fans.
14. Nico Jackson, LaLiga Player of the Month for May
Nico Jackson ended the season in fine form. The Senegalese led Villarreal to Europe with nine goals and two assists in the last eight league games. His performance in the final stretch earned him the LaLiga May MVP award.
