The Catalan striker was Villarreal’s star against Osasuna at El Sadar
Villarreal earned a hard-fought point on their trip to CA Osasuna (2-2). Both Yellow Submarine goals came from Gerard Moreno, who shone in a tough match for the team.
Marcelino made seven changes compared to the starting XI that faced Bayer Leverkusen in the last UEFA Champions League match. The Submarine showed resilience in the opening stages against the home side’s pressure.
Villarreal took the lead after the first quarter of an hour. Nicolas Pepe was fouled by Galán in the box, and Gerard Moreno converted the penalty (0-1, 17’), a goal dedicated to his teammate Juan Foyth, sidelined with a serious injury.
The joy for the Yellow Submarine was short-lived, as Osasuna equalised just two minutes later. Following a questionable free-kick from Alfonso Pedraza on the left flank, Víctor Muñoz headed the ball into the net (1-1, 20’).
Just past the hour mark, Villarreal enjoyed two clear chances. First, Gerard Moreno powered a header on goal, then Pepe tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area. Both efforts were brilliantly saved by Sergio Herrera.
In added time of the first half, Osasuna went ahead. Budimir headed home a cross from the right side (2-1, 45+2’).
Villarreal grew into the game in the second half and were rewarded with the equaliser. Nicolas Pepe delivered a corner, and Gerard Moreno met it at the near post to score his second of the match (2-2, 70’).
The Submarine pushed for a winner until the final whistle but could not find it. In the end, a very hard-earned point against a tough opponent. Onwards.
Villarreal’s next match is against RCD Espanyol at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Monday 9th February.
