The Yellows reserves dominated and had chances in a match not exempt from refereeing controversy
Villarreal B lost at the Mini Estadi against CD Ebro in an intense game (1-2). The Yellows reserves were the better team, dominated all the match and had chances, but succumbed against their opponents’ attacking effectiveness and defensive solidity.
Miguel Álvarez’s team in fact went ahead. Fran Álvarez put in a free-kick from the wing and Nikola Vujnovic sent the ball acrobatically into the back of the next (1-0, m.16).
Ebro drew level in the 34th minute. Selfa found a loose ball and connected with an unstoppable stop which Joan Femenías could do nothing about (1-1). The crucial goal to make it 1-2 came in the second half. Ubay headed home after a corner which should not have happened, as there was a foul on Dani Villa in the build-up.
The match was not exempt from refereeing controversy. The Yellows wanted a penalty for a challenge on Simón Moreno, but the referee did not interpret it as a foul in the 55th minute.
Next up for Villarreal B is an away game against Teruel (Friday, 4pm CEST).
Lineups:
Villarreal B: Joan; Andrei, Roger Riera, Carlos Blanco, Franquesa; Iván Martín, Ramón, Fran Álvarez (Villa, m. 63), Adrià Riera (Rubén Mesa, m. 77); Nikola (Akale, m. 81), Simón.
CD Ebro: Salva de la Cruz; Tirado, Jon Ander, Ubay, Michelle Diana, Cantero; Selfa, Gerrit (Cabezas, m. 45), Fode (Sandro, m. 45); Dani Martínez, Raúl (Víctor, m. 69).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 16: Nikola. 1-1. Min. 34: Selfa. 1-2. Min. 76: Ubay.
Referee: Martínez Montalbán. Booked: Carlos Blanco, Ramón (Villarreal B); Selfa, Gerrit, Víctor (CD Ebro).
Matchday information: Match at the Mini Estadi at the Villarreal CF Training Ground (Ciudad Deportiva).
