Villarreal overcame refereeing decisions to win the game in the last minute with a goal from Nico Jackson
An epic win. Villarreal beat Almería (2-1) in the last minute with a goal from Nico Jackson, which sparked madness at the Ciutat de València. With a man down for half an hour, the Submarine, with a lot of heart and the memory of José Manuel Llaneza always present, achieved a victory that will remain in the memory. This one is for you, José Manuel!
The Submarine were reunited with their fans at the Ciutat de València after a heavy defeat against FC Barcelona (3-0) last Thursday. This Sunday, against Almería, the Yellows had a new opportunity to show the strength they have shown at home in LaLiga. So far, Villarreal had a record of two wins and a draw at Levante’s home ground.
After an emotional minute’s silence in honour of the memory of vice-president José Manuel Llaneza, who received the affection and respect of those present at the Ciutat de València, the ball started to roll, with Villarreal wanting to control the pace of the game.
In the seventh minute, Unai Emery’s side enjoyed the first dangerous chance. Pacheco made a masterful save to keep out a close-range effort from Samu Chukwueze, who rose highest in the heart of the box to tap in a fine ball from the left by Alberto Moreno.
Despite Villarreal’s bright start, Almeria took the lead on the half-hour mark. In a quick move down the right flank, the Andalusian side broke down the Submarine’s defence. Bilal Touré gave the ball to Melero to beat Rulli with a shot across the Argentine keeper.
It was an uphill struggle for the Yellows, who had to come from behind at the Ciutat de València with still an hour to play. Before the break, the best chance came from Johan Mojica, whose shot from outside the area forced Pacheco into a save.
After the break, Emery introduced a double substitution. Mandi and Alberto Moreno came on for Kiko Femenía and Nico Jackson. Two players with an attacking profile to show a more attacking side and go for the game.
The Submarine equalised and then De Burgos Bengoextea was determined to take centre stage. The referee sent off Baena after the celebration because he had lifted his shirt behind his head. Disbelief among the Yellows’ fans, who reproached the referee for the unfair and blunt decision to leave Villarreal a man down on the pitch.
The referee’s action made Villarreal angry, and they searched for the second goal with a lot of heart. Counter-attacks, second line shots and set-pieces. The Submarine tried everything, although, as the minutes passed, they left more and more space at the back of the defence. With a 1-1 draw and numerical superiority for the visitors, the game was wide open. It was a real tug-of-war between Emery’s team, who tried with faith and commitment, and Rubi’s side, who were more measured in their attacks and played with their heads on their shoulders.
In the last minute, Villarreal did the impossible. A fantastic pass from Dani Parejo behind the defence was picked out by Nico Jackson and he made no mistake. He beat Pacheco and gave the Submarine all three points. This victory is yours, José Manuel. As it could not be otherwise. Always everlasting.
Lineups
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Mandi (min. 46, Kiko F.), R. Albiol, Pau, J. Mojica; Coquelin (min. 86, Yeremy), Parejo, Alberto M. (min. 46, N. Jackson), Chukwueze (min. 62, M. Trigueros); Álex B., A. J. Morales (min. 86, Danjuma).
UD Almería: Pacheco; Pozo, Kaiky, Chumi, R. Ely, Akieme; Robertone (min. 78, Arnau Puigmal), Eguaras (min 78, C. De La Hoz), Melero (min. 86, Lazaro); Baptistao (min. 55, Embarba), El Bilal (min 86., Ramazani).
Goals: 0-1. Min 31: Melero. 1-1. Min 56: Álex B. 2-1. Min. 90’+4’: N. Jackson.
Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea. Booked: Alberto M., Pau (Villarreal); Akieme (UD Almería). Sent off: Alex B. (m.58), Morlanes (m.59 – from the bench).
Incidencias: Partido entre el Villarreal CF y la UD Almería, correspondiente a la jornada 11 de LaLiga 22-23, celebrado en el Ciutat de Valencia ante 13.816 espectadores. Se celebró un sentido minuto de silencio en memoria del vicepresidente del Villarreal CF, José Manuel Llaneza. DEP.
