A missed penalty from Diatta and Nacho Quintana’s 74th-minute goal decided the derby in favour of the side from Elda
Villarreal B, who were aiming to continue their good start to the league campaign, left the Nuevo Pepico Amat empty-handed. The Yellows’ B team competed on equal terms, creating several clear chances and even a penalty, which Alassane Diatta was unable to convert. However, a late strike from Nacho Quintana ended up sealing victory for the home side.
The match began with Villarreal B focused on defending, as Eldense pushed forward aggressively in attack, especially down the right wing. Even so, the Mini Submarine stood firm and showed that they also wanted to take control of possession. That was how their clearest chances of the first half came about.
First, Alassane Diatta managed to pick out Álex Rubio inside the box, but the forward could not get a clean shot away. Soon after, in the 21st minute, Facundo Viveros was brought down in the area and the referee awarded Villarreal B a penalty. Diatta stepped up from the spot, but Ramón Vila guessed correctly and saved his effort. From that point, the Yellows grew in confidence, creating further opportunities through Álex Rubio and Diatta himself. At the other end, Rubén Gómez kept his side in the game with an excellent save in the 40th minute to send the sides in level at half-time (0-0).
After the restart, both teams once again created chances. Eldense went closest in the 55th minute with a shot against the post, although the move was later ruled out for offside. Villarreal B responded through Luis Quintero, but his effort was blocked by the home defence.
The decisive goal came in the 74th minute (1-0) in the most chaotic moment of the match. Following a cross into the Villarreal B area and several failed clearances, Nacho Quintana pounced on a loose ball and fired past Rubén Gómez.
In the closing stages, the Mini Submarine kept pushing and even appealed for a possible penalty on Lautaro, which the referee waved away. Ultimately, Villarreal B were left empty-handed in their first away match of the season and will now look to get back to winning ways in their next fixture at the Mini Estadi against CE Europa.
