The Mini Submarine got to work and beat Atlético Levante in a hard-fought tie
Villarreal B made the Mini Estadi a fortress once more. Miguel Álvarez’s side got an important and hard-fought win against Atlético Levante (1-0) in an equal match, which made the Mini Submarine work for the three points, which came from a fantastic Manu Morlanes strike in the first half.
The match had everything from the first minute. It was open and both teams were up for it. It was a game to be remembered, not only for Morlanes’ golazo, but for an incredible stop from Diego Fuoli from the penalty spot. The goalkeeper, at full stretch, stopped the visitors from equalising.
Villarreal B from the opening moments tried to take the bull by the horns and make the most of the spaces left behind by an attacking Atlético Levante side, which arrived at the Mini Estadi hoping to take control of the ball.
With half an hour on the clock, Villarreal got ahead on the scoreboard. After a great piece of work down the right flank, Andrei crossed the ball into the box, with Morlanes appearing from nowhere, firing high into the goal with a potent shot.
Just five minutes later, Iván Martín tried his luck with a shot that skimmed the crossbar. In the 57th minute, the referee handed the away side a lifeline for getting back into the game. When the Yellows needed it most, Fuoli emerged as the hero, keeping out Pepelu’s effort.
Álvarez’s team could have killed it off shortly after but Adrían Riera’s effort went just wide. With Atlético Levante throwing everything at the draw, Villarreal B dug in and held on to the three points which allow them to stay towards the top of the table.
The next match for the Mini Submarine will be next weekend away at Valencia Mestalla.
Lineups:
Villarreal B: Diego Fuoli; Andrei, Pepe Castaño, Carlos Blanco, Edu (Pedro, min. 74); Iván Martín, Ramón, Morlanes, Akale (Adrián Riera, min. 59); Villa (Rubén Mesa, min. 85), Simón.
At. Levante: Javi Olmedo; Genís, Víctor Mongil, Álvaro Moreno, Quintana (Manu Viana, min. 69); Joan, Javier Soler (Blesa, min. 85), Pepelu, Eneko; Edu (Arturo Molina, min. 77), Juan Delgado.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 23: Morlanes.
Referee: Subirats Matamoros. Booked: Carlos Blanco y Pepe Castaño (Villarreal).
Stadium: Mini Estadi.
